Specimen Collection & Transport
Lockbox Specimens
To maintain specimen integrity, lockboxes must be packed and stored with each specimen’s temperature requirements in mind.
Instructions by specimen transport temperature type are outlined below.
If you have questions about how to properly prepare your lockbox or need to schedule a special pick-up, please contact Client Services.
Specimen Collection & Transport
Overview – General Lockbox Instructions
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CCL recommends keeping your lockbox indoors at room temperature until it is packed and prepared for courier pick-up.
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When setting out your lockbox for CCL pick-up, ensure that it is located in a dry location that is sheltered from the elements such as extreme temperatures, sun exposure, rain or snow, and other potentially hazardous weather conditions.
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If you are concerned about weather or environmental conditions affecting your specimens’ integrity while stored in your lockbox, please contact Client Services to arrange a special pick-up.
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To maintain specimen integrity, frozen specimens require a special pick-up.
Ambient (Room Temperature) Specimens
1. Secure all specimens in ambient (yellow) specimen bags.
Alternatively, if using a clear specimen bag, affix a yellow room temperature/ambient label to indicate the required temperature.
2. Place the specimen bags into the lockbox.
No gel packs or other temperature-controlling items are needed for specimens sent at ambient temperature.
3. Secure the lockbox, and place it in your designated courier pick-up location.
Refrigerated Specimens
1. Secure all specimens in refrigerated (green) specimen bags.
If using a clear specimen bag, affix a green refrigerated label to indicate the required temperature.
2. Place a frozen gel pack onto the bottom of the lockbox.
This will ensure specimens stay cool during transport.
3. Add a thick styrofoam divider or several layers of paper towels on top of the gel pack to act as a barrier between it and the specimens.
This barrier must be thick enough to prevent the cold gel pack from freezing the refrigerated specimens.
4. Place the specimen bags into the lockbox on top of the divider.
Do not place refrigerated specimens directly onto the frozen gel pack.
5. Secure the lockbox, and place it in your designated courier pick-up location.
Multiple Temperatures: Ambient & Refrigerated
Frozen Specimens must be handled separately.
1. Secure all specimens in temperature-specific specimen bags.
If using a clear specimen bag, affix an appropriate label to indicate the required temperature.
2. Place a frozen gel pack onto the bottom of the lockbox.
This will ensure specimens stay cool during transport.
3. Add a thick styrofoam divider or several layers of paper towels on top of the gel pack to act as a barrier between it and the specimens.
This barrier must be thick enough to prevent the cold gel pack from freezing the refrigerated specimens.
4. Place any refrigerated specimen bags into the lockbox on top of the divider.
Do not place refrigerated specimens directly onto the frozen gel pack.
5. Add a second divider on top of the refrigerated specimens.
This barrier must be thick enough to prevent the refrigerated specimens from cooling the ambient specimens.
6. Place any ambient specimens into the lockbox on top of the second divider.
Ensure that the ambient specimens are not directly exposed to the refrigerated specimen bags.
7. Secure the lockbox, and place it in your designated courier pick-up location.
Frozen Specimens
To maintain specimen integrity, frozen specimens require a special pick-up.
To schedule, please contact Client Services at 800.628.6816.
Special pick-ups are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST. If calling after-hours, Client Services will schedule a next-day pick-up.
Please make sure to place the specimen in your freezer until the courier arrives; otherwise, the specimen may be compromised, and testing may be delayed or canceled.
