METHODS FOR SHIPPING SPECIMENS

Specimens can be sent by various methods. The most expeditious method depends on the area of the country from which the shipment is being sent. Always contact the carrier that you are using, and they will provide you with information on what type of shipments they will handle. Specimens may also be sent by Express Mail through the U.S. Postal Service to the following address:

National Veterinary Services Laboratories
P. O. Box 844
Ames, IA 50010

For isolation of fastidious bacterial genera, such as Haemophilus and Taylorella, specimens should be shipped by Federal Express Priority Overnight. The service provided by Priority Mail or First Class Mail is usually satisfactory for all other specimens. If better service is required, other methods should be considered.

When shipping by methods other than U.S. Postal Service, omit the P.O. Box number from the address and ship as follows:

National Veterinary Services Laboratories
1800 Dayton Avenue
Ames, IA 50010

Please note that, at this time, apparently only Federal Express will accept known identified infectious etiological agents or dry ice; that is why they put on the training necessary for shipping such agents. The U.S. Postal Service and United Parcel Service will not accept packages with dry ice or such infectious etiological agents at this time.