shipping instructions

Enclose a completed Zoologix submission form with every shipment. Wait at least one week following the end of antibiotic treatment before collecting samples.

Swab samples or fecal samples
Place each sample in a clean, new, labeled, sealed ziplock bag or plain tube. Samples in ziplock bags can be sent in an envelope.  Tubes, cups or other samples thicker than 6mm (1/4") should be sent in a box, not an envelope, to prevent crushing and avoid delays.

Ship swabs or fecal samples at normal room temperature the same day as collected if possible, to arrive at Zoologix within 3-4 days. If swabs or feces must be held for more than a few hours before shipping, refrigerate and ship within a few days, with cold packs. Don't expose samples to freezing or higher than normal room temperature in transit; when the weather is very warm please consider shipping by a more rapid method, and/or adding cold paks.

Most swab materials are acceptable; plain dry cotton- or synthetic-tip swabs are typical. Any shaft material is acceptable. The head of the swab should be coated with sample material to the extent possible, to the amount specified in the datasheet. We can sometimes test from less sample material, but too little sample material may result in decreased test sensitivity, so use the largest swab that will fit the sample source without harming the patient.

Fecal samples should be at least the volume indicated in the datasheet, but do not send excessive volumes per sample.

Blood and other liquid samples
Collect fresh whole blood samples in EDTA (purple top) tubes, seal, then immediately invert several times to thoroughly mix the blood with the preservative material in the tube. Avoid using heparin (green top) tubes if possible; we can test from heparinized blood but it is not ideal.

Collect other liquid samples such as lavage, serum or cerebrospinal fluid in plain tubes or similar clean, leakproof containers.

Refrigerate liquid samples if shipping will be delayed for more than a few hours after collection. Room temperature shipping is adequate unless there is a chance that samples will be in transit for more than ~24 hours or during very warm weather -- in those cases ship liquid samples with cold packs in an insulated shipping container to stay cold in transit.

Liquid samples should be shipped in a 3-dimensional package not subject to crushing in transit - not in an envelope.

Or if you prefer, blood and other liquid samples can be dried onto special Zoologix dry cards so they can be easily sent to Zoologix in an envelope, without refrigeration. Learn about ordering and using our dry cards here.

Fresh tissue should be shipped with cold paks in an insulated container to stay cold in transit.

Fixed or preserved tissue can be shipped at normal room temperature.

Frozen samples of any kind should be shipped so as to remain frozen until arrival at Zoologix - typically with dry ice in an insulated container. Follow the carrier's requirements for dry ice shipments.

Sample labeling
Uniquely, clearly and permanently label each sample bag, tube, etc. with an ID of your choice. This ID will identify the sample in the Results Report. Write all IDs on your submission form too. Each ID will be handled as a separate sample. Clearly indicate the test(s) or panel(s) you are ordering for each sample.

Packaging
Enclose all primary sample containers (tubes, bags, etc.) together inside a secondary leakproof ziplock bag or other leakproof container. Protect glass tubes from contact with each other and pack them so they do not jostle in transit. Enclose enough absorbent material (batting, paper toweling or similar) inside the secondary bag or container to fully absorb the total volume of all liquid samples should a catastrophic spill occur in transit. Use dunnage to prevent movement of contents. Label the outer carton per the carrier's requirements.

International shipping
In addition to the above options, we can provide DRY CARDS for international shipping of liquid samples like blood, cerebrospinal fluid or semen. A small amount of liquid sample is spotted on the card and dried per instructions printed on the back of each card. Dry card samples remain stable for months at room temperature, so handling requirements are less stringent, easing international sample shipping. Learn about ordering and using our dry cards here.

International shipping permits
Some sample types from some animal species require special permits for international shipping. Email Zoologix your sample details before shipping across borders to request our import permits by reply email attachment.  Additionally, all primate samples shipped internationally require a CITES export permit, obtained by the shipper from the CITES authority in the originating country. Shipments without all necessary permits will be rejected, and the shipper will be responsible for any resulting costs. Do not send shipments without proper permits!

Shipping method
FedEx, UPS, DHL, or other similar courier services usually provide the best combination of reliability and cost. Customs brokers or freight forwarders are not preferred for shipments to Zoologix as they often create unnecessary bureaucratic issues which result in delays and returned shipments.

 Carrier selection is the client's decision and Zoologix receives shipments via all carriers.

Shipping-related costs
The shipper is responsible for any fees, customs duty, tax, fine or penalty related to the shipping of samples to Zoologix.

Receiving hours
Zoologix receives Monday through Friday. If you ship overnight, select standard mid-morning delivery - do not select early morning or afternoon delivery. If you ship on a Friday, designate Monday delivery, not weekend delivery. Phone or Email Zoologix for advice if you have a critical weekend requirement.

Send all samples to:
ZOOLOGIX
725 Lakefield Rd, Suite H
Westlake Village  CA  91361
USA
Phone 818-717-8880