Shipping protocols 

Collection

Put the spleen into a pre-labeled 2mLmicrocentrifuge tube (for example, Fisher Scientific cat#05-408-138). Add approximately0.5mLsaline solution in the tube with the spleen to prevent dry-freezing of tissue, but make sure that the tube is not over-filled.

If your rats have been implanted with an RFID chip, try to find this chip during dissection and put it directly into the tube with the spleen. We will read both the barcode and RFID chip to confirm the sample identity

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For tube labels use “Cryo Babies” for laser printers (Diversified Biotech cat# LCRY-1700), they withstand long-term storage in -80°Cwithout peeling off the tubes.

·Store samples in cardboard boxes clearly labeled with the PI name, date (or at least year), tissue (e.g. “spleen”) and project title. Example:JHOU-HS ratsU01-Spleen-Box02_25Feb2019

For a genotyping backup tissue sample, cut off ~ 5 mm of the tail tip and store at your lab. Use 2mL tube labeled with the barcode and rat ID, add saline to prevent sample desiccation. Store at -80°C long-term.

Shipping

Send spleens in the cardboard box (not plastic, they can break during shipping) labeled with the Project, type of tissue, box number, and the date (e.g. JHOU_HS rats-Spleen_Box02_25Feb2019).

Use a secondary container (plastic bag or just wrap with paper) in case box is broken during shipment.

Use at least 10 kg (20 lb) dry ice for shipping. If you have a choice, use pellets. If you use slabs, make sure that there is no free space in the shipping box, so slabs cannot move freely and crash things.

Use Styrofoam box that is surrounded by a cardboard box. Choose boxes with thick walls. For example, ULINE S-13392 or ULINE S-11357.

·Send by FedEx overnight on Monday or Tuesday, check for holidays.

At the time of shipping, send the manifest to the Center that contains a list of samples, box ID, collection date, and comments (if any), we will use it to update the database