SAMPLING AND SHIPMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR TRYPANOSOMA PCR TEST
The PCR can be performed directly from EDTA whole blood (anticoagulated, lavender
stoppered tube) or from an EDTA blood specimen spotted on Whatman No 4 filter paper.
EDTA whole blood: a minimum volume of 2 ml EDTA whole blood is required
Filter paper:
1) Do not use blood in heparin (green stoppered tube).
2) Write your identification number and the name of the patient at one end of the appropriate
filter paper ( a square sheet or circular Whatman paper no. 4).
3) Place a drop of EDTA whole blood (40 ul) on the filter at the opposite end to the
identification number and the name of the patient.
4) Up to 4 well separated blood spots (from the same patient) may be applied on a single sheet
or circular filter paper. Testing can be also done on plasma/serum or CSF, also on filter paper.
5) Allow the sample(s) to dry thoroughly at room temperature.
6) If more than one filter paper specimen is sent, place unused filter paper between each patient
specimen.
7) Place the filter papers in a plastic bag with silica gel (in its own paper container) and store at
room temperature
8) Samples can be sent at room temperature
If shipping to Canada from another country, attach;
1) shipper's declaration for dangerous goods
2) commercial invoice
3) Fedex expanded service international air-way bill form.
Ship to
Momar Ndao DVM, PhD/Lab Director
National Reference Centre for Parasitology
Montreal General Hospital
1625 Pine Ave. West
Montreal, QC H3G 1A4
Phone: 514-934-8347