Primate Assay Laboratory Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I Have to Schedule My Samples?
- Advanced scheduling is NOT necessary. However, for the fastest turnaround, advanced scheduling is recommended.
- If you choose not to schedule in advance, please notify us when samples are sent so that we may confirm their arrival. For best results, you may also e-mail or fax us the submission form.
Our receiving is open Monday-Friday, 8 am – 4pm except holidays.
To schedule samples, call PAL Staff at (530) 752-8242 or email for questions.
Q: What is Your Turnaround Time for Results?
The maximum turnaround time for results is 2 weeks for serology and PCR. Turnaround time for custom testing varies; please contact PAL Staff at (530) 752-8242 or email for further information.
Q: How Do I Ship My Samples?
- All specimens must be accompanied by a completed submission form
- For serum or plasma:
- The preferred specimen is at least 1 ml serum frozen in a 2 ml polypropylene screw cap tube. Do not overfill the vial. The vial should be labeled with a sample identification # and draw date. Specimens should be properly packed in a leakproof double-walled container with absorbent material and ice packs or dry ice and shipped by overnight delivery.
- For Whole Blood, EDTA Blood, or Heparinized Blood:
- The specimen requirement is 3 ml of blood properly packed in a leakproof double-walled container with absorbent material and shipped at ambient temperature by priority overnight delivery. Please email the completed submission form when the samples are sent.
- Dry Blood Spots, DNA, or Saliva may also be sent. Call or email for more information before shipping these sample types.
All packages must be addressed to: Peter Nham, M.S., Primate Assay Laboratory California National Primate Research Center County Road 98 at Hutchison University of California Davis, CA 95616
Q: What Kind of Samples Should I Send?
- All specimens must be accompanied by a completed submission form!
- For Antibody Screens, Western Blots, IFA’s, ELISA’s, EIA’s, send:
- Serum or plasma
- The preferred specimen is at least 1 ml serum frozen in a 2 ml polypropylene screw cap tube. Do not overfill the vial. The vial should be labeled with a sample identification # and draw date. Specimens should be properly packed in a leakproof double-walled container with absorbent material and ice packs or dry ice and shipped by overnight delivery.
- Whole Blood, EDTA Blood, or Heparinized Blood
- The specimen requirement is 3 ml of blood properly packed in a leakproof double-walled container with absorbent material and shipped at ambient temperature by priority overnight delivery. Please email the completed submission form when the samples are sent.
- For PCR, send:
- EDTA Blood:
- The specimen requirement is 3 ml of blood properly packed in a leakproof double-walled container with absorbent material and shipped at ambient temperature by priority overnight delivery. Please email the completed submission form when the samples are sent.
- For GIFN (TB): Requires 5 ml blood in a Vacutainer Heparin tube.
- Please contact laboratory personnel for sample collection instructions prior to drawing samples.
- For custom testing or other:
- Please contact laboratory personnel for sample collection instructions prior to drawing samples.
- Dry Blood Spots, DNA or Saliva may also be sent.