PCR Specimen Requirements
See the What's New page
Specimen Type | Specimen Age | Shipping Conditions | Recommended Volume2 |
Amniotic fluid
| Up to one week when stored refrigerated; indefinite when stored frozen
| 2 – 8° C on ice or cold packs preferred; frozen acceptable; overnight delivery
| 10 ml
|
Other body fluids: Ascitic | Up to one week when stored refrigerated; indefinite when stored frozen | 2 – 8° C on ice or cold packs; frozen acceptable; overnight delivery
| 10 ml
|
CSF | Up to one week when stored refrigerated; indefinite when stored frozen
| Frozen preferred; 2 – 8° C on ice or cold packs acceptable; overnight delivery
| 1 ml
|
Ocular fluids (vitreous and aqueous) | Up to one week when stored refrigerated; indefinite when stored frozen
| Frozen preferred; 2 – 8° C on ice or cold packs acceptable; overnight delivery
| 0.5 ml |
Whole blood
| Up to 2 days
| EDTA or citrate tube; 20 – 25° C; overnight delivery
| 5 ml
|
Urine | Up to one week when stored refrigerated; indefinite when stored frozen | 2 – 8° C on ice or cold packs preferred; frozen acceptable; overnight delivery
| 10 ml |
Solid tissues
| Up to 24 hours when stored refrigerated; indefinite when stored frozen; NO preservatives | Frozen preferred; 2 – 8° C on ice or cold packs acceptable; overnight delivery
| 50 mg |
1. Please contact our laboratory at (650) 853-4828 for specimens that do not meet these requirements. For specimens not meeting our requirements, testing can still be performed when authorized by the client .
2. Please contact our laboratory at (650) 853-4828 for specimens that are less than the recommended volume. Testing specimens with minimum volume may compromise sensitivity of the PCR test. Specimens received with less than recommended volumes may be insufficient for repeat testing. All fluids for PCR should be sent uncentrifuged.