IMPORTANT:  ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

To ensure sufficient tumor cell yield, a core needle biopsy is advised (e.g. Tru-cut, 14 gauge).

Multiple passes will be required to obtain sufficient viable tumor cells for testing of a broad panel of agents.

Fine needle biopsies (e.g. 18 gauge) seldom yield sufficient tumor cells to test full panels of drugs, even with multiple passes.  When possible, we will attempt to test abbreviated drug panels.  Please be advised that cell yields from fine needle aspirates may be so low that no drugs can be tested.  

Expel the sample between passes directly into Weisenthal Cancer Group transport media.

(If you prefer, you may expel the sample into a small, sterile vessel containing non D5 Ringers’ solution between passes.  You would then pour the combined rinse liquid and specimen into the sterile transport vial that contains the Weisenthal Cancer Group solid Tumor transport media.)

Seal the inner and outer transport vials securely.

Keep the specimen cool prior to shipment.

When packing the sample for shipment, please include the frozen cold packs that are provided in the Weisenthal cancer Group specimen transport kit.  These should have been held in the freezer prior to use.

If the cold packs provided in the specimen transport kit were not held in the freezer and are therefore not frozen at the time the specimen is shipped, please try to find and substitute cold packs elsewhere in the medical facility that are frozen.  

Cold packs should be frozen in a standard (minus 20C)  freezer.  Please do NOT freeze the cold packs in a minus 70C laboratory freezer.  

Do not freeze the specimen.

Do not use dry ice for shipping.

Please ship the the specimen on the same day it is collected.