Sending Sample

Information for Users

Sample Transportation

The Jack O'Neill Amyloidosis Laboratory is open from 9am - 5 pm Monday to Friday.

The reception desk is open from 9am - 5 pm Monday to Friday.

For sample shipment, we recommend you to use special delivery during weekdays to avoid sample deterioration.

All samples must be sent to the following address:

SPECIMEN RECEPTION
National Amyloidosis Centre
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust 
Pond Street,
London
NW3 2QG, UK

Sample requirement:
• 2-5 ml whole EDTA blood 
• minimum of 50 µL DNA sample with a concentration at 50 ng/ µL

Sample packaging:
Blood and DNA samples from outside hospitals can be sent by 1st class Royal Mail.
Specimens must be packed with 3 layers of packaging according to the UN 3373 Biological Substance, Category B, Packing Instruction 650. 
The primary packaging must be leak proof and packed in a secondary packaging in such a way that it cannot break or be punctured. Secondary packaging must be secured with cushioning material. 
Either the secondary or outer packing must be a rigid material. The packaging must be clearly labelled 'diagnostic specimen UN3373’. 
DO NOT POST on Friday or before a UK Bank Holiday 

Sample Rejection Criteria:
• If the details on the sample do not match those on the request form or the sample is unlabeled it will be rejected.

Sample Acceptance Criteria:
• Sample must be clearly labelled with patient’s full name and date of birth.
• All samples must be accompanied by clinical information i.e. completed electronic questionnaire (see below, Sequencing Request section).

Genetic Testing Limitation:
• Inadequate or poor sample quality may not be sufficient for the laboratory to perform the test in such a case we will contact the referring laboratory to provide a new sample.