Q. We have a specimen but are unsure if we have enough tissue to submit to Precision. What should we do?
A. Specimens sent to Precision must be residual tissue available after an adequate specimen has been provided for pathology/histology and other diagnostics. The ideal mass for submission of a solid tumor should range from 35mg to 1 gram. Ideal fluid specimens should be between 100cc to 500cc. When in doubt, submission should only go to your pathology/histology department.

Q. We are collecting a specimen from a potentially contaminated site such as the digestive tract (esophagus, colon, rectum, etc.), nasopharynx (mouth, throat, sinus, etc.), or skin. How should we handle and ship?
A. The specimen should be placed into the shipping container as quickly as possible and stored in a refrigerator until shipment. Prolonged exposure to room air in a non-sterile environment increases the potential for contamination.

Q. We have a specimen but no transport media. What should we do?
A. Specimens may be collected in other sterile media when our bottles are not available. Be certain that the container can securely close and use tape to seal the cap against accidental loosening during transport.

Q. We have the collection bottle, but are missing the packaging and shipping box.  How should we send this?
A. Package the collection bottle and wrap in paper towels, chucks pad, or another absorbent pad sufficient for absorbing the fluid in case of a leak. Place in two successive biohazard bags eliminating excess air. Place in a sturdy box with a cold pack and plenty of padding for transit. Ship using FedEx to: Precision Therapeutics, ChemoFx Lab, 2516 Jane Street, Pittsburgh PA 15203.

Contact Precision Therapeutics' Client Services Team for the FedEx account number and mark the airbill indicating "Bill recipient." Note: if shipping on a Friday mark "Saturday delivery" in the Special Handling section of the airbill (otherwise, the specimen will not arrive until Monday and may be exposed to extreme temperatures in transit making the specimen invalid for testing).

Q. We have a specimen and we missed the FedEx pick at our facility.  What should we do?
A. Place the package in the refrigerator.  Contact Precision Therapeutics Client Services ASAP at 1-800-547-6165.  Provide the tracking number to Precision and we will help to coordinate a package pickup.  Keep the specimen in the refrigerator until FedEx arrives.