Instructions

Sampling & Shipping

How to collect, preserve and send your samples so we can deliver accurate results, fast.

Step 1

Before you sample

Contact the laboratory before you start. We will help you plan the sampling correctly and address any needs or difficulties that may arise — the right tubes, the right preservation, and the right timing for your tests.

Step 2

Sampling procedure

  1. The sampling team should contact the laboratory beforehand, both to plan correctly and to address any needs or difficulties that may arise.

  2. The sample must be representative. If it is a large tissue or a whole fish, indicate the point at which DNA isolation should be performed.

  3. Avoid sending several tissue pieces in the same tube. If multiple pieces are sent in one tube, the laboratory's choice of which piece to use for DNA isolation is random; this method of submission is not recommended.

  4. The quantity must be adequate for the requested tests. Where only DNA isolation is required, a small piece of tissue is enough.

  5. Sampling requires sterile tools (forceps, spatulas, spoons, containers), and the sampler's hands should be covered with sterile gloves.

    The sampler should always observe the following:

    • Wash your hands before sampling, or wear disposable gloves.
    • Do not smoke during sampling.
    • Do not blow toward the sample.
    • Do not eat or drink during sampling.
    • Avoid contaminating the exterior of the containers.

  6. Record the necessary details (a unique sample code / point and time of sampling) on a label and stick it to the container. Avoid sending samples without any code. Also avoid codes such as 1, 2, 3… or A, B, C…, so that results can be traced easily afterwards.

Step 3

Sample preparation

A summary of how to prepare and preserve each sample type for the requested test.

Keep Latin and technical terms (RNAlater, Eppendorf, Universal, Falcon) as written.
Test Sample Quantity Preservation Sampling tube
PCR Tissues (spleen, kidney) Whole tissue or a piece >100 mg RNAlater (1 day at 37 °C, 1 week at 25 °C, ≥1 month at 4 °C) Sterile Eppendorf (1.5 ml) or Universal (20 ml) or Falcon (50 ml)
PCR Eggs >2 ml In the sampling water (4 °C, no freezing; same day if possible) Sterile Eppendorf (1.5 ml) or Universal (20 ml) or Falcon (50 ml)
Staining Tissues Whole tissue Avoid freezing; ship quickly on ice, in buffer solution or with no preserving liquid Sterile Eppendorf (1.5 ml) or Universal (20 ml) or Falcon (50 ml)
Microorganism culture Tissues Whole tissue Avoid freezing; ship quickly on ice, in buffer solution or with no preserving liquid Sterile Eppendorf (1.5 ml) or Universal (20 ml) or Falcon (50 ml)

Step 4

Shipping

Shipping address

BioDetect
15 Votsi Street, 30100 Agrinio, Greece
Attn: George Tsiamis (+30 697 6685 012) / Panagiota Stathopoulou (+30 697 7479 169)

Besides the samples, please also send an email to info@biodetect.gr (or a form) clearly stating the number of samples and their codes.

Shipping by KTEL (intercity bus): the Aitoloakarnania KTEL operates until 16:00 daily. Please send your samples in good time so they can be collected the same day.

Step 5

Turnaround time

  • Molecular analysis3–5 working days
  • Staining3–5 working days
  • Microorganism cultureBy arrangement

For further information or clarifications, please contact Dr Panagiota Stathopoulou (+30 697 7479 169).

Before you sample

Plan it with us first.

Download the full instructions, or talk to the laboratory before you collect a single sample.

Download the full instructions (PDF) Contact us before sampling

Have a question first? See our frequently asked questions.