Packaging Guidance

Samples ideally should be received in the laboratory within 24 hours from the time of collection (see CTL website samples from government and local authorities).

Samples should be shipped in suitable insulated packages (the CST testing team are happy to advise). It is recommended that any shipping materials are chilled in a freezer for a minimum of 24 hours prior to use. Samples must remain chilled between 1°C and 10°C during transport

Shellfish to be tested should be placed inside a polythene bag, which is then securely tied. The pre-printed sample submission form must be fully filled in, and placed inside a separate polythene bag and secured to the sample (inside the bag is acceptable). Both shellfish sample and information sheet should be placed inside the shipping box.

Care must be taken to correctly place any additional cooling packs to ensure that the shellfish sample does not come into direct contact with the cooling pack. Should one sample not fit into one box, please split the sample into two boxes.

Once correctly assembled, secure the box lid with adhesive tape to prevent leakage and send the sample via Royal Mail Special Delivery or similar carriers/couriers.

Samples must be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible and preferably within 24h of collection. If short term (up to 24h only) storage prior to dispatch/delivery is absolutely necessary, shellfish should be stored at 1 to 10°C. Samples must not be frozen.

Samples for norovirus testing can only be received from 08:00 to 17:00 Monday to Tuesday and by 12.00 midday on the Wednesday - if results are to be guaranteed by the Friday of the same week. For E. coli and Salmonella spp., for testing to be initiated on the day of receipt, samples should arrive at the laboratory before 14:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Samples arriving after 14:00 will be tested on the following working day.

Deliveries outside these times will be rejected unless by prior arrangement with CST.

Using NEXT DAY DELIVERY send samples clearly marked to:

Cefas Shellfish Testing
Barrack Road
Weymouth
Dorset
DT4 8UB
Tel: 01305 206600

Email: cst@cefastechnology.co.uk