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Specimen Collection, Storage, & Shipment

Refer to this table when you collect, store and ship specimens. Before sending specimens to CDC, please contact wnix@cdc.gov or soberste@cdc.gov.

Note that CDC will use real-time PCR for generic testing and nested PCR for typing.

Specimen TypeMinimum AmountCollectionStorageShippingComments
Respiratory - NP/OP swab1mlStore in viral transport mediumFreeze at
-20°C		Ship on dry ice 
Respiratory - NP/OP wash or aspirate1mlCollect in sterile container, no special medium requiredFreeze at
-20°C		Ship on dry ice 
Stool≥1gramCollect in sterile container, no special medium requiredFreeze at
-20°C		Ship on dry iceVirus present for longer than other specimen types
Rectal swab≥1gramStore in viral transport mediumFreeze at
-20°C		Ship on dry ice 
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)≥150 ulCollect in sterile container, no special medium required.
Collect within 0-4 days of symptom onset (earlier the better)		Freeze at
-20°C		Ship on dry ice 
Serum    Not recommended
Fresh-frozen tissueN/APlace directly on dry ice or liquid nitrogenFreeze at
-70°C		Ship on dry icePreferred to formalin-fixed/paraffin embedded tissue
Formalin-fixed or formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissueN/AAvoid prolonged fixation—can fix in formalin then transfer to 100% ethanolRoom temperatureShip at room temperature with paraffin blocks in carriers to prevent breakageAcceptable, but lower sensitivity than fresh-frozen tissue

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