• For all customers sending samples, it is essential to include the appropriate submission form, with all required fields filled out.
• Our mailroom is open 7 days a week unless otherwise stated. There are no issues sending samples to us on Friday, except when sending Bovine Respiratory PCR samples.
• Be aware we are not able to accept samples from abortions or stillbirths for testing, with the exception of maternal serology.

What to avoid

• Using excessive sellotape on outer packaging
• Sending haemolysed blood
• Using gloves or any other non-leak proof container
• Writing multiple sample numbers on a single sample container
• Placing samples in non-sequential order in boxes containing multiple samples
• Using a container if sample content has seeped onto its exterior

Incorrectly packaged samples could result in an increased Health and Safety risk to our staff and/or cause additional time and cost in processing. We reserve the right to add an additional charge to cover these costs.

Royal Mail should accept all samples for routine diagnostic testing. Royal Mail do not accept Category A infectious material, but this should not affect routine veterinary samples. General guidance from the HSE is that samples (blood, tissue, excreta, secreta etc.) from humans or animal are considered to be Category B infectious substances. These samples are then assigned to UN3373 and must be packaged according to IATA PI:650 for transport. There is an added complication that for Category B samples each individual package must hold a total of less than 50ml of liquid or 50g of tissue.

Samples which are taken for serology testing from a healthy animal are exempt from UN3373. Specimens for which there is minimal likelihood that pathogens are present are not subject to the regulations (meaning volumes over 50ml/50g can be sent) if the specimen is packed in a packaging which will prevent any leakage and which is marked with the words “Exempt human specimen” or “Exempt animal specimen” as appropriate.

We receive deliveries a daily basis from courier services including:

• TNT
• DHL
• UPS
• FedEx
• ParcelForce.

For overseas customers sending us samples for rabies antibody testing, please make clear to your courier service that the samples are for routine diagnostic testing and non-hazardous.