Computerized Scanning and Imaging Facility

Shipping Requirements & Restrictions

Packaging and Shipping Formalin Preserved Tissue Samples (For samples shipped in chemicals other than Formalin please consult the US Department of Transportation shipping regulations.)

Once the sample(s) appears well fixed, call and email us to confirm that you are ready to ship and provide the day for shipment and the carrier tracking number. On the day of shipping, wrap the specimen(s) in several layers of formalin soaked gauze and place in three or more sealed plastic bags with an absorbent material such as diapers inside each bag to prevent leakage. If you use a plastic jar, seal the jar with wax or waterproof tape and place in a sealed plastic bag. If possible, avoid using glass containers.. The important point is to preserve moisture around the sample(s) without a large fluid volume and to have several leak proof seals. Place the packaged sample(s) inside a cooler or reinforced box. The shipping container should be capable of withstanding a drop of at least three feet without damage when fully packed. Within the USA, ship by Federal Express® or other expedited service for one or two day delivery. If sending from over seas, please use a method that will deliver within 7 days. You will also need to confirm with us any permit numbers that are required for domestic or international shipping for some species. Check with your shipper that formalin fixed, non-liquid samples are allowable and considered non-hazardous. If so, mark the container: Scientific Specimen – No Medical Hazard - Deliver Immediately.

Packaging and Shipping Frozen Tissue Samples
Once the sample(s) are well frozen, call and email us to confirm that you are ready to ship and provide the day for shipment and the carrier tracking number. On the day of shipping, wrap the specimen in three or more sealed plastic bags with an absorbent material such as diapers inside each bag to prevent water leakage. If you use a plastic jar, seal the jar with wax or waterproof tape and place it in a sealed plastic bag. If possible, avoid using glass containers. Place the sample in either a plastic cooler (recommended) or a reinforced thermal styrofoam shipping box. The important point is to prevent thawing and water leakage. The shipping container should be capable of withstanding a drop of at least three feet without damage when fully packed. Within the USA, ship by Federal Express® or other expedited service for one or two day delivery. If sending from over seas, please use a method that will deliver within 7 days. You will also need to confirm with us any permit numbers that are required for domestic or international shipping for some species. Mark the container: Scientific Specimen – No Medical Hazard - Deliver Immediately.

Helpful Links
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
US Fish & Wildlife Service
CITES Permits
Threatened or Endangered Species Permits