Serum

• Centrifuge the blood samples at 2500 G for 10 minutes.
• Serum samples can be stored at 2–8 degrees Celsius for one week.
• Storage for longer periods can be done at a temperature of -20 degrees Celsius.
• Transport of serum samples: we recommend sending it by cooled transport (4 degrees Celsius) or with dry ice.

Serum for RPA test

• Do not freeze the samples! Transport of samples with cooled transport (4 degrees Celsius).

Serum for PCR test

• We recommend sending it in by cooled transport (4 degrees Celsius) or with dry ice.

Serum for virus isolation

• For standard isolation, and if delivered within 24 hrs, the material has to be transported in cell-culturing medium (can be purchased at GD).
• For longer transport times, please use dry ice during transport.

Swabs for PCR test

• Fresh swabs can be delivered to our laboratory within 24 hours after sampling.
• For transport times longer than 24 hours, swabs have to be in a transport medium and the correct conditions for transport: at -20 degrees Celsius or with dry ice.
• Send in the swabs as soon as possible to our laboratory – we recommend using an international courier.

Swabs for culturing

• Swabs have to be in transport medium and delivered by cooled transport (4 degrees Celsius). The swabs cannot be frozen!
• Delivery time: please deliver as soon as possible after sampling, preferably within 48 hours after sampling.

Faeces for PCR test

• Fresh samples can be delivered within several hours after sampling under normal transport conditions.
• For periods between sampling and receipt at the laboratory longer than several hours: send in samples by cooled transport (4 degrees Celsius).

Faeces for culturing

• Always deliver as soon as possible after sampling.
• For transport longer then 1 day, use cooled transport (do not freeze the samples).

Feathers for PCR test

• The feathers have to be plucked entirely and preferably with as much pulp as possible.
• Place each feather in a clean plastic tube or a plastic bag.
• Avoid cross-contamination between the feathers of one bird.
• Avoid cross-contamination between feathers of different birds.
• The feathers can be sent in by cooled transport (4 degrees Celsius) or with dry ice if they are send immediately after plucking.
• If feathers are stored before sending, store them at -20 degrees Celsius for a maximum of 3 months.

Organs for PCR test

• If the time between sampling and delivery is several hours, then fresh samples can be sent directly to our laboratory.
• If the time between sampling and delivery is longer than one day, please send in by cooled transport (4 degrees Celsius).
• If the time between sampling and delivery is several days, please send in using dry ice or frozen transport.
• Do not use formalin!

Organs for culturing

• Please send in as quickly as possible.
• We recommend using cooled transport (4 degrees Celsius).
• Do not use formalin!

Organs for isolation

• If the time between sampling and delivery is several hours, then fresh samples can be sent directly to our laboratory.
• If the time between sampling and delivery is longer than one day, please send in by cooled transport (4 degrees Celsius).
• If the time between sampling and delivery is several days, please send in using dry ice or frozen transport.
• Do not use formalin!

Tissue/organs for histology

• Cut the tissue into small pieces of approx. 1 cm3 and place in a 4% formalin solution.
• Use sufficient formalin to completely submerge the sample (1 part tissue to 10 parts formalin).
• Leave for 24 hours at room temperature in a sealed container. Reduce the 4% formalin volume prior to shipping.