Step 1: Obtain three or more sterile bottles for preserving and transporting the tissue samples. Bottles may be plastic or glass approximately 10 ml or 1 oz. size. Bottle size may vary if tissue is submerged in saline solution. Each bottle needs a screw cap that can be securely tightened to prevent leakage.

 

Step 2: Prepare the transport media from standard 0.9% isotonic saline solution.

 

Step 3: Choose a site on the scruff of the neck or other area where the skin is relatively loose.

 

Step 4: Closely shave the appropriate area; remove as much hair as possible to minimize contamination.

 

Step 5: Inject Lidocaine subcutaneously in the center of the sterile area to accommodate two (4 to 6 mm) skin punches or another surgical instrument.

 

Step 6: Perform sterile skin prep.

 

Step 7: Obtain one full-thickness skin biopsy. Try to maximize the amount of skin tissue and minimize the amount of fatty and other non-skin tissue. Suture after collecting if needed.

 

Step 8: Place the tissue biopsy in the first bottle for shipping. Repeat the procedure. Collect at least two samples.

 

Step 9: Secure the lids on the medium bottles or vials firmly.

 

Step 10: Label bottles with owner and pet's names, species and date collected.

 

Step 11: Procure an insulated container such as a Styrofoam box and one or more ice gel packs for shipping tissue.

 

Step 12: Place the two medium bottles containing the skin tissue samples in the insulated box with the ice gel pack(s). Package needs to maintain temperatures between 35° and 45°F (2° to 5°C) for 72 hours. Make certain the ice gel pack is frozen. Do not use dry ice.

 

Step 13: Place corrugated cardboard or Styrofoam layer above ice pack to avoid direct contact between tissue and ice pack.

 

Step 14: Place the insulated container in the cardboard box as required by courier companies. Please do not ship by the US Post Office.

 

Step 15: Immediately transport the package by priority overnight courier to:

 

Dr. Raymond Page

PerPETuate, Inc.

Life Science and Bioengineering Building/WPI

60 Prescott Street

Worcester, MA 01605

USA

508-641-7775

 

Step 16: Please provide PERPETUATE the courier's tracking number by email (info@perpetuatelab.com) or telephone (508-641-7775).