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

1.  For serology testing, serum specimen should be sent in 2.0 mL microtubes. The serum specimen should be sent either on ice pack or dry ice.

2.  CSF and plasma should be sent either on ice pack or dry ice.

3.  Heparinized blood should be sent on ice pack.

4.  If sending specimen from a single patient per collection date, please pool the collection and maximize the volume of specimen in one microtube rather than aliquoting small volume of the specimen in multiple tubes. Please send a minimum volume of 1 mL serum. Multiple tests can be requested on one requisition form per specimen collected.

 

C. For Leishmania biopsy culture

1.  Call the NRCP to request for Leishmania growth medium.

2.  Store and send the specimen at room temperature in a Styrofoam box to protect from temperature variation. Affix a label “Room Temperature” on the box.

3.  For information on procedures for Leishmania biopsy sampling, click on the PDF.

 

D. For PCR testing

For PCR testing, please see the table below for details on specimen type and their shipping and handling conditions.