It is important to ensure good quality of tissue samples in order to obtain a correct PCR test result,.

Equipment that prevents contamination between samples should be used when sampling.

 

Recommended equipment:

• Sample tubes containing RNAlater (ordered from Blue Analytics AS).
• Tweezers and scalpel.
• Optional sterilization equipment in the form of a gas burner or 10% chlorine solution.
• Tissue paper for cleaning equipment before disinfection.
• Packaging for submission (styrofoam box).
• Cooling element.

 

Sampling procedure:

• The size of the tissue samples is important and should be approximately 2x2x2 mm (10 mg). The ratio of tissue: RNAlater must not exceed 1:10, this to ensure good fixation of the sample.
• To avoid contamination from any vaccine residues, pieces of tissue must not be taken from the abdominal cavity.
• Two samples should be taken from the same individual (an A and a B sample) and placed in the same sample tube.
• Avoid contamination between individuals either by changing disposable equipment or disinfecting the equipment.
• The order of placement of sample tubes in the box must be vertical (columns). First tube in position A1 (A1, B1, C1 etc.), so that tube 9 is placed in position A2.
• Position H12 must always be empty, i.e. a full box must contain a maximum of 95 samples. Position H12 is used for internal control at the laboratory.
• When submitting more than 95 samples, the boxes must be marked with unique serial numbers.
• Sampling should be done by personnel with special training.

 

Storage and submission:

• Tissue samples must be kept refrigerated from collection to dispatch. (Correctly RNAlater-fixed samples are stable up to 1 month at 4°C).
• The samples must be packed in a styrofoam box together with a cooling element.
• Samples must be sent as an express overnight package. The tracking number for the shipment is to be sent to: mottak@blueanalytics.no
• The completed Sample submission form PCR-analysis must always be included in the package.
• Tracking file with sample overview should be sent to: mottak@blueanalytics.no

 

Delivery address:

Blue Analytics AS
Kong Christian Frederiks plass 3, entrance A, 1st floor
5006 Bergen
Norway