TREATMENT OF SAMPLES
Shipping of Benthic Invertebrate Samples

Coolers are the best containers for shipping. These can be rented from Aquatic Biology Associates, Inc. Your coolers will be returned to you. For shipping by UPS, coolers that exceed a combined girth + length of 130 inches will be charged as an oversize package. Cooler weight should not exceed 70 pounds. UPS may charge $2 extra for coolers with handles on them, since they can't place them on conveyor belts.

Make sure sample jar lids are screwed on tightly! Vibration during transport can quickly loosen lids. Lids of Nalgene^® jars supplied by Aquatic Biology Associates, Inc. will not vibrate loose. See the supplies section for leak-proof sample jar suppliers. When in doubt whether jar lids will vibrate loose, secure them with electrical tape. Please use electrical tape, since it can be easily stripped from the jars.

UPS or Federal Express are preferred carriers. They treat packages much more gently than the U.S. Postal Service, are faster, usually cheaper, and will deliver samples to the door of our lab.

Alcohol is flammable. However, alcohol diluted with the sample residue takes a blowtorch to ignite, if at all. It is probably best not to mention to the carrier that the package contains alcohol. List on any manifest, that you are sending river sediment samples for scientific analysis.

If you are shipping samples preserved only with formalin, you will have to check with UPS on packaging requirements. Formalin is classified as a hazardous substance.

Small amounts of formalin added to the alcohol, to insure fixing of invertebrates, does not warrant calling attention to. If you use any formalin, then you must use leak-proof jars & ship in sealed coolers.

Please line coolers with plastic garbage bags. Place sample jars in the bag and seal with a twist ties. This lining adds an extra layer of protection in case some preservative leaks.

Make sure the cooler drain-cock is closed and taped shut.

If you enclose documents in the coolers, please seal them in large zip-lock bags.

Secure cooler lids with reinforced strapping tape.

When shipping by UPS or Federal Express, please do not request that the carrier obtain a signature from our lab.

DO NOT WRITE ON AQUATIC BIOLOGY ASSOCIATES, INC. COOLERS WITH MARKING PENS.