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Instructions & requirements for sending samples

Using the right sample is key to getting a valid result 

It is the responsibility of the Customer/Sender to ensuring that sampling, sample handling, sample identification, packaging, transport and delivery to Wieslab takes place in the correct manner. 

If you have urgent questions or need further information please contact us on phone +46 40 53 76 60 or email diagnostic.services@svarlifescience.com
Svar-Life-Science-female-laboratory-technician-reading-request-form-in-diagnostic-services-laboratory

Ordering tests is simple

  1. Choose the relevant request form.
  2. Fill in and select the test panels or individual tests that you would like to order.
  3. Print the Request Form and send it together with the sample(s) to the following address:

    Wieslab AB, Lundavägen 151
    SE-21224 Malmö, Sweden

    Download Sampling Instructions

  4. The test result will be mailed to the address specified on the Request Form.

Checklist

  • Clearly labeled samples should be submitted together with the completed request form
  • State clearly the referring hospital/clinic/physician's name and phone number on the request form. This is particularly important for acute testing.
  • The sample should be of the correct volume and material for the requested tests
  • The sample should not be hemolytic, lipemic or icteric.
  • The sample should be properly processed, packaged and transported to Wieslab in a timely manner and under environmental conditions that will not compromise sample integrity (see particular handling for CSF).
  • If samples cannot be sent immediately to Wieslab they should be stored in the refrigerator (2-8° C, up to one week) or freezer (-20° C for prolonged storage) awaiting transportation.
  • Never send frozen samples on a Friday or a day before a Holiday. Due to the risk of sample
    thawing/deteriorating in case of delivery delays
  • Transport: Transport at room temperature, standard postal letter is acceptable (padded
    envelope marked UN3373) if not stated otherwise on the Request Form.
  • For international and/or long transportation, cold packs or dry ice (UN3337) are recommended for samples that could otherwise (within Sweden) be sent at “room
    temperature”.

GENERAL SAMPLING INSTRUCTIONS (autoantibodies)

Blood

Blood should primarily be collected in plain serum tubes/serum separating tubes (SST) without anticoagulants or other additives (see picture in table below)

Both venous and capillary samples are acceptable.

7 mL blood (3 mL serum) will be enough for approximately 15 single tests.

Tests included in: Sample material: Tube type:
Autoimmune Diagnostics, Neurology, Monitoring Biopharmaceuticals (TDM) Serum SST
Plain serum tube
CSF Polypropylene Tube (CSF)
Some tests can also be analyzed in Plasma (see request form) EDTA plasma EDTA tube (centrifuged)
Genetic test, including HLA-analysis Whole blood (2,5 mL) EDTA tube - uncentrifuged for whole blood (NB! Should never be sent frozen)

 

Serum

The blood sample should be coagulating for at least 30 minutes and then centrifuged (1300- 1800g) at ambient temperature.

Separate serum into plain tube/s (SST do not require transferring the supernatant serum).

Serum should be kept cold until transport.


CSF (Cerebrospinal fluid)

Collect CSF in a sterile Polypropylene tube.

3 mL CSF will be enough for approximately 10 single tests.

Samples can be transported at “room temperature” (se Transport above). If samples cannot be sent immediately, they should be stored in a refrigerator (2-8°C, up to one week) or freezer (-20°C for prolonged storage).

SPECIFIC SAMPLING INSTRUCTIONS

(Specific sampling instructions applies for Complement assays, Biomarkers , Genetic tests including HLA analyses and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)

Complement assays

The centrifuged serum samples and EDTA-plasma should be frozen immediately and shipped on dry ice.

Serum (functional complement assay)

  • Serum samples should be collected as described above
  • Turn the test tube at least 5 times after sampling
  • Separate serum into two plain tubes (minimum 0,5 mL/tube), freeze within 4 hours and transport it frozen on dry ice
  • The tube must be marked with “SERUM”
EDTA-plasma (C3, C4, C1q, C3d, and C1 inhibitor level/function)
  • The sample should be centrifuged for 10 minutes at ambient temperature (1300-1800g)
  • Separate plasma into a plain tube and transport it on dry ice – within 24 hours of sampling
  • The tube must be marked with “PLASMA”

Biomarkers (in CSF)

Always use polypropylene tubes for collecting, centrifuging (10 minutes at 1300-1800g) and transportation. The samples must be stored frozen and packed with dry ice when shipped.

NOTE! Never send frozen samples on Fridays or a day before a Holiday.

Alzheimer markers and markers of neuronal damage (Parenchymal): At least 1,5 mL CSF divided in 3 polypropylene cryotubes (0,5 mL in each tube) and frozen.

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disease (NMOSD): At least 1 mL CSF divided in 2 polypropylene cryotubes (0,5 mL in each tube) and frozen.

Neurofilament Heavy: At least 0,5 mL CSF in a polypropylene cryotube and frozen.

Neurofilament Light: At least 0,5 mL CSF in a polypropylene cryotube and frozen.

Biomarkers (in serum)

Neurofilament Light: At least 0,5 mL serum. Samples can be sent at room temperature if they arrive at Wieslab within 48h of sampling. Otherwise, they must be frozen and sent on dry ice.

 

Biomarkers (in EDTA-plasma)

pTau-181: At least 0,5 mL EDTA-plasma. Samples can be sent at room temperature if they arrive at Wieslab within 48h of sampling. Otherwise, they must be frozen and sent on dry ice.

 

Genetic tests including HLA-analyses

Whole blood: 2,5 mL 

* NOTE!  - a signed Informed Consent form must be enclosed with the sample. Informed Consent form can be downloaded here.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)

The serum sample should be collected on the same day as the next planned drug dose but before drug administration (See General sample instructions for serum).

Cmin is the minimal drug concentration at steady state and when the variations of drug levels in serum are the lowest.

Send sample by ordinary mail or on dry ice, please see the transport condition for each assay on the request form. For international and/or long transportation, cold packs are recommended for samples that could otherwise (within Sweden) be sent at “room temperature”.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Read our full Terms & Conditions

ELECTRONIC TEST RESULTS

Order test reports from Wieslab Diagnostic Services electronically in the InfoSolutions platform LabPortalen

Wieslab and InfoSolutions' collaboration means that you as a Wieslab customer now can access your test results in the LabPortalen. LabPortalen is a CE-marked medical product that provides a complete and secure system for delivering electronic test results.

Electronic Test Results
Wieslab Diagnostics - Electronic Test Results