BIO-SPECIMEN ACQUISITION

The most important component of receiving and accepting biological reagents and specimen shipments on time and in good condition is the proper initial packaging, marking, labeling, and documenting of the incoming shipment. All incoming reagent shipments by ground or air transport are expected to be packed and shipped in full compliance with all requirements for the shipment of dangerous goods, infectious substances and biological products.

Each incoming package of reagents undergoes an external visual inspection for any physical damage. The package is opened and the contents are checked for vial/container integrity and reagent condition. The contents of each shipment is audited to validate the material received for any discrepancies, missing vials or incomplete reagent product information. The inspection results of each shipment are recorded in an in-house receipt form to include date and time received, carrier, airway bill number, number of vials of each reagent, assigned catalog numbers and the condition of the reagents upon arrival. Client is notified within two hours or by the next business day of all reagent shipments that arrive at the repository. All receipt information about the reagents and their storage locations are communicated to the client or if desired, entered into the inventory database.