Life Technologies

5 Life Technologies | Animal Health 4. Label the tube immediately with the animal ID (ear tag number) using a waterproof marker. Write numbers and letters clearly according to good clinical practice (e.g., 5 not 5). Storage 1. Leave the sample upright at room temperature for at least 2 hours to allow the blood to clot completely. 2. After 2 hours, store the sample in a refrigerator until shipment to the laboratory, which should be within 2–3 days. If this is not possible (e.g., in the case of a longitudinal assessment), separate out the serum and freeze it at –20 to –80°C. NEVER freeze whole blood samples: hemolysis will prevent any subsequent laboratory analysis. 3. If serum rather than whole blood is to be sent to the laboratory, it should be separated by centrifuging the sample at 1,500–2,000 x g at room temperature for 10 minutes. If no centrifuge is available, serum can be separated from the cruor after a further 10–12 hours by careful decanting. For a single PCR test, a minimum of 1.5 mL serum should be sent to the laboratory; more serum should be sent if several PCRs and/or ELISAs are to be performed. Shipment Material from diseased animals is usually classified as "Biological substance, category B" according to UN regulations (UN 3373). It must be shipped in compliance with national regulations and, at least for international shipment, in compliance with "Packing Instruction 650" specified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). National regulations and IATA instructions may change over time. If you have

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