December 2018

Shipping Trichomonas Samples in Cold Weather

Trich samples can be especially difficult to ship in cold weather because they must be kept between 59°F and 99°F degrees from the time of collection until the sample is delivered to the KSVDL. (Please also remember the samples must arrive at the KSVDL within 72 hours of collection.)

There are several methods that can be used to assure the Trich samples are kept at the correct temperature during shipment. These include: 1) adding ample insulation around the samples, 2) adding hand warmers to the shipping container, and 3) shipping the samples for next-day delivery.

An option that reduces the temperature sensitive shipping requirements of Trich samples is to incubate them at 95° F at the clinic for 48 hours then freezing prior to shipment to KSVDL. The samples must be kept cold after freezing and during transit. A note on the submission form stating that they were incubated and frozen prior to shipment will reduce the testing turnaround time.

For more information, please contact KSVDL Client Care at clientcare@vet.k-state.edu or 866-512-5650.