Directions from QUEST'S web site on frozen shipping. Amazing they don't recommend using CYRX rather than have their customers go through this:
Instructions for packaging frozen specimens are included in PACKING A SHIPPING COOLER FOR FROZEN SPECIMENS in the Appendix. Frozen specimens are advisable for international shipment unless contraindicated. Our Directory of Services lists acceptable specimen temperatures for individual assays and panels.
For additional specimen stability information, contact Client Services at 800-421-4449 or 661-799-6543 for international clients.
Seal box carefully with security tape.
Apply shipping label with the following information:
Return Address
Shipping Destination:
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute of Valencia
27027 Tourney Road
Valencia, CA 91355
U.S.A.
Attn: Accessioning
Apply “Dry Ice” Labels. (If required, see Figure C).
Apply yellow “0 degrees Celsius” label to the cardboard shipping box. (If required, see Figure E).
Complete a "Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods" (See Figure D) form as per the GUIDELINES FOR COMPLETING "SHIPPER'S DECLARATION FOR DANGEROUS GOODS" in the Appendix following this section. Give the form to the transportation company when making a shipment. Apply "Infectious Specimen" labels as required.
A pro forma invoice is also required (See Figure G). (See Instructions for pro forma INVOICE in the Appendix). An original signed copy and a photocopy must be attached to the air waybill. An additional copy should be placed on the side of the box.
Ship package(s) prepaid via priority services (next flight out) with your Carrier.
When you ship the package(s), either fax our Distribution Services Department (661-799-5275) a copy of your pro forma invoice and the international air waybill or leave a voicemail message (661-799-6543, option 2) to notify our lab to expect an incoming shipment. You should provide the following information:
Client Name and Account #
Number of Boxes Being Shipped
Number of Specimens: ambient, refrigerated, frozen
Shipment Details:
Shipping Company (e.g., FedEx, DHL)
If Airline Carrier, then supply name, flight number and estimated time of arrival
Air Waybill number of the shipment
Date of shipment
SHIPPING PROCEDURES - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PACKING A SHIPPING COOLER FOR FROZEN SPECIMENS
Put a layer of dry ice (half the total quantity) on the bottom of the cooler.
NOTE: 2 kg of dry ice will last 20 hours. One solid piece lasts longer than several smaller pieces. Federal Express shipments should contain at least 5 kg of dry ice.
Place Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute of Valencia specimen bag with specimens on top of dry ice.
Place the remainder of the dry ice on top of the specimens.
Fill excess space with paper towels or newspaper on top of the dry ice to serve as insulation.
Place shipping manifest on top of the insulation material.
Close the lid of the cooler and tape with clear shipping tape around 3 sides of the cooler. Leave the fourth side unsealed to allow dry ice gases (carbon dioxide) to escape.
Place the cooler in an appropriate shipping box, making sure to leave one side unsealed for dry ice gases to escape out of the shipping box.
Mark the net weight of the dry ice on the "Dry Ice" label (See Figure C) and affix it to the outside of the package near the shipping label. Additional "Dry Ice" labels should be applied to each side of the box.
