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Instructions for Shipping your Samples to the
WHO CC
Please note that these instructions relate only to isolates and specimens
of human influenza viruses , ie. A(H1N1), A(H3N2) and type B viruses.
If you have a highly pathogenic influenza strain (eg. Avian influenza
H7 and H5 subtypes), please email us at whoflu@influenzacentre.org.
Download: Sample
preparation and shipping checklist
1. Before you send your samples
• Please contact us at whoflu@influenzacentre.org to inform us of your intention to send us samples, so we can expect your shipment.
• If you can identify the subtype of your samples using the HI Typing Assay prior to shipping, this will greatly assist processing at the
WHO CC. If this is not possible, or if you have an urgent sample for
which the Diagnostic Assay will delay shipping, please send us your
sample immediately and we will determine the subtype at the WHO CC. To learn more
about the HI Typing Assay, click here.
2. Sample preparation and packaging
• Please include a copy of the following paperwork with
your samples AND also send us a copy separately (by email if possible):
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AQIS Permit |
Download: WHO
CC AQIS Permit |
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Sample Submission Form |
Download: Sample
Submission Form |
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(We have recently updated our sample submission form - you should "enable macros" to use the autocomplete function. We hope you will find the form easy to use, please let us know if you have any suggestions for improvement.) |
When filling out the Sample Submission Form, please provide as
much information as possible (including relevant patient data), as this will greatly assist us in
processing the samples.
• Both clinical specimens and viral isolates should be stored
at -70°C and shipped on dry ice. (The viruses will not survive
if they are stored at -20°C and shipped on wet ice.) Please
minimise the number of times that clinical specimens are freeze-thawed.
• If sending viral isolates, please send 1-2ml of isolate.
• For clinical specimens, it is ideal to send at least 0.5-1ml
of specimen (and more if possible). However if this is not possible,
please send whatever volume you can provide.
• Samples should be sent in clearly labelled neoprene tubes with
leak-proof caps. If your samples are frozen and in leak-proof tubes,
wrapping in parafilm should not be necessary. Please ensure that your
labels are securely fastened and not at risk of falling off or being
erased while being shipped – if possible please use non-erasable
ink.
3. Shipping
All samples to be shipped to the WHO Collaborating Centre require paperwork
to be completed. Please follow the instructions below, depending on
whether you are a WHO National Influenza Centre or an Independent Laboratory.
WHO National Influenza Centres:
As a WHO National Influenza Centre, you have access to the WHO Shipping
Fund. To book a shipment with the Fund, fill out and submit the Booking
Form below to World Courier Geneva. The courier will assist you with
the consignment note, customs forms and commercial invoice required
for shipping.
Download: WHO
Shipping Fund Guidelines and Booking Form
Independent Laboratories:
If you have not already selected a courier for shipping, our preferred
courier is Midnite Express:
Midnight Express contact details:
Peter Morley, Regional Operations Director
MNX – Global LifeSciences
Phone:+ 613 9372 5955
Fax: + 613 9372 1067
Mobile: + 61 (0)438 502080
Email: Biopharm.aus@mnx.com
www.mnx.com
Australian Customs requires the following documents to be provided
with your shipment. We have provided templates for these documents
to best ensure your samples reach us quickly.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require any other
information.
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