FRAT® Sample Information
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FRAT® Specimen Collection and Shipment Instructions

LocationWhat is included in the kit?
Domestic US - excluding Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto RicoFRAT® Kit:
Styrofoam container, ice pack, SST tubes, biohazard bag, absorbent sheet, FedEx clinical pak, mailer box, shipping/collection instructions, lab test requisition form (TRF), overnight return label
US - ONLY Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto RicoFRAT® Kit:
Styrofoam container, ice pack, SST tubes, biohazard bag, absorbent sheet, FedEx clinical pak, mailer box, shipping/collection instructions, lab test requisition form (TRF), overnight return label

Puerto Rico Only: Commercial invoice, Importer Doc, Non-Infectious letter, TSCA letter, overnight return label
Canada/United KingdomFRAT® Kit:
Styrofoam container, ice pack, SST tubes, biohazard bag, absorbent sheet, FedEx clinical pak, mailer box, shipping/collection instructions, lab test requisition form (TRF), Commercial invoice, Importer Doc, Non-Infectious letter, TSCA letter, overnight return label

Also needed, but NOT included in the kit:

1–Ultra/Fine-Tip Pointed Permanent Marker e.g., Sharpie (Black or Red preferred) or a label maker to add label to collection tubes

BEFORE specimen collection
  1. Before drawing specimen(s):
    • STOP all Folinic Acid or 5-MTHF supplements 48 HOURS prior to blood draw
    • Provide these instructions to the phlebotomist who will be collecting the blood specimen
  2. Preparation (Day Before Specimen Collection):
    • Remove the ice pack from the bottom Styrofoam chamber and lay flat in freezer
    • Ice pack must be frozen prior to shipping specimen(s) back
    • DO NOT FREEZE SST tubes or the entire kit (see Blood Collection and Storage conditions workflow image below)
  3. Shipping requirements to be aware of before blood draw:
    • Speak with a local FedEx/Courier representative to schedule same-day shipping on the day of collection – check the latest drop-off time for your location
    • The return label included with your test kit is for overnight delivery to our lab – confirm transit time when dropping off the specimen
      • The lab cannot receive deliveries on weekends or US holidays
      • A late drop-off may cause a delay in shipment and result in specimen rejection
DURING specimen collection
  1. Label tubes
    • Place a pre-printed label or write (with permanent marker) the following details on the tubes:
      • Patient First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth and date of blood draw. Let dry. If the name is too long, write first initial and last name.
  2. Specimen Collection
    • see Blood Collection and Storage conditions workflow image below
AFTER specimen collection
  1. Before Shipping Specimen(s):
    • Ensure that your ice packs are frozen
    • We recommend shipping specimen(s) the same day as collection
    • Storing Specimen(s) until Shipping (see Blood Collection and Storage conditions workflow image below)
      1. If shipping specimen as serum in a polypropylene tube, freeze (-20°C) until packaged for shipment (see Blood Collection and Storage conditions workflow image below)
      2. If shipping specimen in Serum Separator Tube (SST), refrigerate (4°C) until packaged for shipment (see Blood Collection and Storage conditions workflow image below)
    (DO NOT FREEZE SST TUBES)
  2. Day of Shipment: video instructions available using QR code below
    • Place FROZEN ice pack into bottom of the Styrofoam chamber
    • Fit the middle, molded section on top
    • Place specimen tubes into the molded grooves in the middle section
    • Center the absorbent sheet on top of the specimen tubes
    • Place the Styrofoam lid on top and ensure the lid is fitted securely
    • Place the Styrofoam container into the plastic biohazard bag and seal to prevent leakage
    • Place COMPLETED FRAT® laboratory test requisition form (TRF) into the outer pouch of the plastic biohazard bag
      • DO NOT place the TRF inside the ziplocked section of the bag
    • Place packaged plastic biohazard bag in the outer corrugated mailer box
    • Place packaged corrugated mailer box in FedEx Clinical Pak and attach billable stamp return shipping label
      • Be sure to check option on FedEx Clinical Pak – "EXEMPT HUMAN SPECIMEN"
    • Alert carrier for pick-up or drop-off at FedEx/Local Courier