Sample collection and handling

he samples to be analyzed must be handled following the specific conditions outlined below:

SERUM VACUETTE: SR
(Vacutainer with a red cap, gel + clot activator phase separator) For molecular infectiology analysis and Bi-Test, send to the laboratory within 12 hours of collection.

SERUM: SR
Centrifuge the blood at 3000 rpm for 15 minutes; collect the serum and keep the tube at +4°C; send as soon as possible.

BLOOD + EDTA: EDTA
(Lavender cap Vacutainer)
Keep the tube at room temperature or in the refrigerator at +4°C until shipment and send within 48 hours.

STRECK-TUBE for cell-free DNA: CFDNA
(Vacutainer with a green cap, collect a minimum of 8 mL) 
Keep the tube at room temperature or in the refrigerator at +4°C until shipment; send within 48 hours (the sample is stable for a maximum of 5 days).

BLOOD + HEPARIN: EPA
(Green cap Vacutainer)
For cytogenetic tests, the sample must be kept at room temperature until pickup; send to the laboratory within 12 hours of collection.

CERVICAL/VAGINAL/URETHRAL SWAB: TC/TV/TU
Use sterile swabs and place them in the “dry” container for molecular infectiology analysis; use common germ swabs and place the swab in transport medium for microbiological culture; store the swab at room temperature and send as soon as possible.

LIQUID-BASED PAP TEST: THIN PREP
Perform the collection according to the instructions provided with the collection kit; store at room temperature; send to the laboratory within 48 hours (In case of additional request for HPV screening/genotyping, an additional dry cytobrush swab must be sent).

PAP TEST SLIDES: STR
Once collected, insert the slides into the designated plastic slide holder for transport and store at room temperature.

SEMEN: LS
Collect in a sterile container, ensuring the cap is tightly closed (for laboratories: preferably transfer to a sealed 15 ml falcon tube, sealed with parafilm, avoiding sending the urine container); observe 3-5 days of abstinence from sexual intercourse before collection; store at room temperature and send to the laboratory within 12 hours.

BUCCAL SWAB: TB
Perform the collection according to the instructions provided with the swab; store at room temperature; send within 24 hours.

AMNIOTIC FLUID/CHORIONIC VILLI: LA/LV
Collect as much material as possible (at least 10 ml of amniotic fluid and 20 mg of chorionic villi); store at +4°C for molecular analyses and at room temperature for cytogenetic analyses; send within 12 hours.

ABORTED MATERIAL: MA
Collect in a sterile container with saline solution (if possible, add a few drops of liquid antibiotic); store at +4°C and send to the laboratory within 12 hours.

DNA DNA
must be extracted using extraction kits or the “classic” phenol-chloroform method (minimum quantity of 2 µg); include spectrophotometric quantification in the attachment.

BIOPSY: BT
Store the collected tissues in 1 ml of sterile saline solution at +4°C (DO NOT use formalin) for molecular investigations. Store tissues in formalin for histological examination.

URINE: UR
Collect morning urine in a sterile container and store at +4°C for no longer than 12 hours.

STOOL: FC
Send the fresh sample within 12 hours; store at +4°C.

SPUTUM/BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE/GASTRIC JUICE: ESP/LBA/SG
Store the material, even when liquefied, in a sterile container at +4°C and send within 24 hours of collection.

Always use sterile containers and appropriate personal protective equipment when handling samples. For each sample, which can be identified by an optional internal identification code, an identification form must be completed. For the collection methods and types indicated for the analyses performed by our laboratories, consult the information provided in the description of each individual analysis.