Shipping samples doesn't have to be stressful. A little preparation before you seal the box can save you days of back-and-forth, prevent delays, and keep your next generation sequencing (NGS) project moving straight into processing. We put together this checklist, so your samples arrive ready to run, every time.
Sequencing labs require samples to meet specific preparation and packaging standards before they can be processed. Following these steps reduces the risk of resubmission, protects sample integrity during transit, and keeps your project on schedule.
Double-check all five items above, then verify that your order has been confirmed in the lab's submission system. If you have questions about specific requirements for your sample type, review the sample submission guidelines or contact the lab directly before you pack.
Careful preparation at the shipping stage protects months of upstream work and keeps your sequencing results on schedule.
Even experienced researchers make packaging errors that slow down processing. The most frequent issues labs see include:
NGS DNA and RNA concentrations vary depending on the application. Check our sample submission guidelines for the exact requirements for your specific assay.
A small amount of Parafilm is acceptable for added security, but avoid wrapping tubes heavily. Over-sealing makes it difficult for lab staff to open samples quickly and can slow down processing. If your lab has specific sealing requirements, check the sample submission guidelines before you ship.
Every plate and tube must be clearly labelled before shipping, and the labels must match your sample submission form exactly. Use printed labels where possible, as handwritten labels can smear or become illegible during transit, especially with dry ice condensation. Include the sample name or ID on each individual tube.
Samples should be packed in racks with adequate padding and secondary containment to prevent movement or leakage in transit. Plates must be sealed with adhesive film and tubes must be firmly capped. Do not place samples directly in a box with dry ice without securing them in a rack or container first.
You will need a completed sample submission form uploaded to the lab's system, and a printed copy of your submission receipt included in the box. Your project number should also be clearly included so the lab can match incoming samples to your order on arrival.
About the author: Nataly Fishman is a Technical Expert in pre-clinical and clinical services at GENEWIZ from Azenta Life Sciences. What she enjoys most is turning tangled, manual workflows into clean automated systems that quietly save her teams hours every week. She holds a B.S. in Biotechnology from the University at Buffalo and an M.S. in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University. Prior to joining GENEWIZ, Nataly honed her expertise in clinical NGS applications at two of the field's most respected institutions: the NGS Core Laboratory at Mount Sinai and the New York Genome Center.