Sample Shipping Instructions

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS

• Samples can be sent as live cultures, isolated DNA, culture swabs, or frozen cells in liquid nitrogen
• Fill out a Test Requisition Form for each sample you are submitting. Test Requisition Forms can be found on our website
• Please note that Cell Line Genetics cannot receive samples on Saturday or Sunday

LIVE CULTURES

• Passage the cells to a labeled T-25 culture flask as you would under normal conditions. Seed the culture with 600,000 to 800,000 cells. If you are growing cells on a feeder layer or an extracellular matrix, make sure that it is fresh
• Feed the culture as usual. The culture is usually ready to mail two to four days after subculturing, when 70% confluent with large colonies that can be seen macroscopically.
• The cultures must be actively dividing (in log phase) when you mail them. See Appendix A for example images
• Fill the culture flask to the top with complete media, tighten the cap, and seal with Parafilm. Label the flask with a unique cell line identifier. Ensure that the sample names perfectly match on the flask and Test Requisition Form
• Place 25mL of complete media in a 50mL tube and seal with Parafilm. Addition of serum at 10-15% in the media may help in the reduction of cells that lift during shipping
• Wrap the T-25 flask and media tube in absorbent paper toweling and place them in separate leak proof plastic bags. Wrap each bag in bubble wrap
• Place culture flasks, media tubes, and printed Test Requisition Forms (one per sample) in a small Styrofoam box. Fill the box with bubble wrap or additional absorbent material so that the contents will not move during shipping
• During the winter months, addition of temperature control packaging (ex – Saf-T-Pak Phase Change Material) can help reduce the chance the culture is exposed to low temperatures
• Place the Styrofoam box inside a slightly larger cardboard box and seal with packing tape. Ship at room temperature. Do not ship on ice or cold packs
• Ship the package via next-day delivery service to Cell Line Genetics at the mailing address listed on the next page
• Contact Cell Line Genetics using the email address listed on the next page to inform us of the expected delivery date and to provide a tracking number if possible

ISOLATED DNA

• Extract genomic DNA by routine methods and resuspend DNA in water or TE buffer
• Place at least 30uL of eluted DNA in a microcentrifuge tube (at a concentration of at least 10ng/uL) and label with a unique cell line identifier. Ensure that the sample names perfectly match on the flask and Test Requisition Form
• Make sure the top is tightly closed, and seal with Parafilm
• Place the sample in bubble wrap inside a sealed plastic bag. Place the bag and printed Test Requisition Form in a small mailing envelope or container
• Ship the package to Cell Line Genetics at the mailing address listed below
• Contact Cell Line Genetics using the email address listed below to inform us of the expected delivery date and to provide a tracking number if possible

CULTURE SWABS

• Wearing gloves, remove media from live cell culture
• Insert sterile cotton swab applicator into the culture dish and scrape off a 1 inch by 1 inch area of cells
• Place the swab in a sterile 1.5mL microcentrifuge tube and break off the shaft 1/4 inch above the swab
• Close the lid and label the tube with a unique cell line identifier
• Prepare a duplicate swab and place in a separate 1.5mL microcentrifuge tube and label with the same identifier. Ensure that the sample names perfectly match on the flask and Test Requisition Form
• Store at 4°C until ready to ship
• When ready to ship, place Test Requisition Form and both tubes in a sealed plastic bag, wrap in bubble wrap, and place in a small mailing envelope or container
• Ship the package to Cell Line Genetics at the mailing address listed below
• Contact Cell Line Genetics using the email address listed below to inform us of the expected delivery date and to provide a tracking number if possible

FROZEN CELLS IN LIQUID NITROGEN

• Place Test Requisition Form and tube of frozen cells, both labeled with the same unique cell line identifier, into a Styrofoam container filled with dry-ice
• Ship the package to Cell Line Genetics at the mailing address listed below
• Contact Cell Line Genetics using the email address listed below to inform us of the expected delivery date and to provide a tracking number if possible

CONTACT INFORMATION

Appendix A – Example Images

iPSC culture in optimal condition for submission – pinpoint sized colonies visible by the naked eye.

Fibroblast culture in optimal condition for submission – 70% confluent, actively dividing.