Shipping Information

Proper packing and shipping precautions are required to ensure the integrity of the tissue sent to NSA. Follow the requirements in "Packing the Tissue" to assure the tissue arrives safely and in optimal condition for NSA processing. Complete the appropriate MultiBrain® Layout for preferred placement of each tissue within the MultiBrain® Block that will serve to specify the ultimate location of specimens on the slides. Submit a completed quote acceptance form to ensure we have the proper instructions for processing. Finally, ship the specimens via a responsible and reliable carrier, following international instructions where applicable. Following these instructions will contribute to the high-quality results that NSALabs® delivers!

Quick Links To Information On This Page:

Ship to Address:

NeuroScience Associates
10915 Lake Ridge Drive
Knoxville, TN 37934 USA
Toll free: 800-972-3401

International or local: (865) 675-2245

Packing the Tissue:

  1. Use enough solution in each container to minimize airspace. (Minimum 25 cc container size for rodents.) Shipping in PBS is safe for all cases, but is required if immunohistochemistry staining is to be performed. Otherwise, the tissue can remain in the perfusion solution.
  2. Do NOT freeze the tissue or refrigerate it during shipping. Keep the tissue in fix or buffer (consult NSA depending on future staining requirements) and ship at room temperature. If the tissue has already been frozen (cryoprotected or not), contact NSA for instructions on how to best handle the frozen tissue in preparation for shipping.
  3. It is not recommended to place the tissue in a cryoprotect solution prior to shipping. NSA will use a glycerol- and DMSO-based formulation to cryoprotect the tissue prior to sectioning.
  4. Specimen container lids must have a seal on the inside.
  5. Each specimen container should be indelibly and uniquely marked. Label both the container and container lid.
  6. Wrap each specimen container with parafilm and place into zip-lock or heat-seal plastic bags, so that the solution cannot leak into the box. Line the box with a plastic bag.
  7. Use styrofoam, bubble packing or other packing material to completely cushion and protect the specimen containers (especially if using glass containers!).
  8. If using glass containers, each container should be individually wrapped to prevent breakage during shipping.

Additional Information For INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING:

Please provide a full description of the contents for prompt delivery by avoiding customs problems. Here is a sample content description:

Fixed, normal rat (or other species) brains in a buffered, aqueous preservative, individually contained for tissue analysis. Non-toxic, non-infectious, and non-contagious.

To satisfy USDA Guideline # 1103, please type the following on your letterhead and place four copies with original signatures on the outside of the box with the airbill:

  1. The contents are fixed, normal rat (or mouse) brains contained in individual containers.

  2. They are derived from euthanized animals: a) that have not been exposed to, or inoculated with, any livestock or poultry disease agents exotic to the United States; and b) did not originate from a facility where work with exotic disease agents affecting livestock or avian species is conducted.

  3. No antisera is present.

  4. The contents are non-toxic, non-infectious, and non-contagious.

In order to expedite the receival of your items, please email our Shipping Department your airbill number, package number and contents and company you have used to ship the items. This greatly assists us when contacted by Customs.

We recommend Federal Express for shipping.

Sequence Of Tissue Preparation Events With Links:

Fixation Method arrow Fix Solutions arrow Perfusion Instructions arrow Fix Timing & Storage Buffers arrow Shipping Tissue

Other Direct Links To Related Items:

Fixes:

Buffers:

Procedures:

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