Shipping Information
Send all specimen to the following shipping address:
National Reference Centre for Parasitology
Research Institute of the MUHC
Attn: Dr. Momar Ndao
1001, Decarie Blvd. Rm: E03.5375
Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1
Canada
Tel / Fax: +1 (514) 934-8347
Shipping and handling procedures
A. In the event of a STAT / URGENT specimen
On the NRCP requisition, CLEARLY write in big and bold letters “STAT”. Alternatively, affix a red label marked STAT. Call the NRCP to inform about the STAT specimen.
B. For Serology testing
- Serum specimen should be sent in 2.0 mL microtubes, on ice pack or dry ice.
- CSF and plasma should be sent either on ice pack or dry ice.
- Heparinized blood should be sent on ice pack.
- If sending specimen from a single patient per collection date, pool the collection and maximize volume in one microtube (minimum 1 mL serum). Multiple tests can be requested on one requisition form per specimen collected.
C. For Leishmania biopsy culture
- Call the NRCP to request Leishmania growth medium.
- Store and send specimen at room temperature in a Styrofoam box. Affix a label “Room Temperature” on the box.
- For information on biopsy sampling procedures, refer to the PDF.
D. For PCR testing
For PCR testing, see the table below for specimen type and shipping conditions:
| Disease | Type of Specimen (Volume Required) | Handling Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| American trypanosomiasis | EDTA blood (4 mL) | Stored at 4⁰C and shipped on ice pack |
| Babesiosis | — | — |
| Malaria | — | — |
| African trypanosomiasis | EDTA blood (4 mL) CSF (1 mL) |
Stored at 4⁰C and shipped on ice pack |
| Cysticercosis | Biopsy (0.5 g) CSF (1 mL) |
Stored at 4⁰C and shipped on ice pack |
| Echinococcus | Biopsy (0.5 g) Abscess fluid (1 mL) |
Stored at 4⁰C and shipped on ice pack |
| Amoebiasis | Faecal sample without SAF (1 g) | Stored at -20⁰C and shipped on dry ice |
| Leishmaniasis | EDTA blood (4 mL) Biopsy (0.5 g) Lesion scraping, Aspirate (variable) |
MUST be stored and shipped at Room Temperature |
| Toxoplasmosis | EDTA blood, pleural fluid, CSF (4 mL) Vitreous fluid, amniotic fluid (1 mL) |
Stored at 4⁰C and shipped on ice pack. Must not be frozen. |