Sample Delivery
Packaging
The sample and referral form should be sealed separately in a biohazard bag to prevent contamination of paperwork in the event of leakage. Blood samples should be packaged according to UN3373 standards.
High risk samples must be clearly identified and all packaging must conform to UN650 standards. Blood samples should be packaged according to UN3373 standards.
This guide to packaging requirements may also be of use. We gratefully acknowledge Cheshire & Merseyside Regional Genetics Laboratory’s kind permission to use this document.
Storage
Samples should be sent to the laboratories as soon as possible (pre-natal samples within 24 hours, preferably no later than 4.00pm). Please try to avoid samples arriving at weekends or public holidays; refer to the specific information for particular sample types where appropriate.
Note that the Willink Metabolic Unit offers an out-of-hours service.
Transport and Delivery
All forms of sample transport should deliver the sample directly to Genetic Medicine:
Genomic Diagnostics Laboratory,
Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine
6th Floor, St Mary’s Hospital
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9WL
Samples may be delivered by hospital porter, by hand, by external post (first-class only), and by courier. All deliveries should be handed in at the Sample Reception window, located adjacent to the Patient Reception area on the 6th floor of St. Mary’s Hospital.
Collection of Samples
The laboratories do not provide their own specimen collection service, other than for those patients attending a clinic session with one of our consultants.nbsp;