Effective immediately, FedEx couriers are required to reject all packages that are being shipped in Styrofoam containers or coolers. The proper way to ship Styrofoam coolers is to use a cardboard box as the outer packaging type.

Special Guidance for shipping during winter and freezing conditions:

• Use Insulated Shipping Containers: Insulated containers provide critical protection against rapid temperature drops during transit.
• Double Bag All Specimens: Double bagging specimens helps prevent brittleness and increases leak-proof packaging.
• Center and Cushion Specimens: Proper positioning minimizes direct exposure to external cold temperatures. Cushioning provides extra insulation in addition to protection from breakage.
• Plan Transit Time: Monitoring weather forecasts and courier schedules can help minimize cold exposure.

Formalin-Fixed Tissues

• Tissue should be fixed in regular 10% neutral buffered formalin solution for at least 24 hours prior to shipping
• When ready to ship: add 1 ml of 10% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol for every 9 ml of formalin (after 24hr formalin fixation)
• Maintain proper fixation volume to preserve sample quality

Shipping without taking these important steps can lead to 'freeze artifact’, which can make histologic interpretation difficult.

Use Room-Temperature Cold Packs (Do Not Freeze)

To help maintain stable internal temperatures:

• Use cold packs that are at room temperature. These act as thermal mass to help stabilize the internal temperature of the container, protecting specimens from rapid temperature changes during shipping.
• Do not use frozen cold packs unless the specimen is approved for frozen shipment.
• Place adequate barrier materials (such as cardboard, bubble wrap, or padding) between cold packs and specimens.

Please feel free to contact us at 217-333-1620 if you have any questions.