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 KSVDL within 72 hours of collection.
Options to assure Trich samples are kept at the correct temperature during shipment include:
1) add ample insulation
2) add hand warmers to shipping container
3) ship samples next-day delivery.
An option that reduces temperature-sensitive shipping requirements of Trich samples is to incubate them at 95° F at the clinic for 48 hours, then freeze prior to shipment to KSVDL. The samples must be kept cold after freezing and during transit. Noting on the submission form that samples were incubated and frozen prior to shipment will reduce testing turnaround time.
For more information please contact KSVDL Client Care at 866-512-5650 or clientcare@vet.k-state.edu.