Shipping Address
Center for Genetics at Saint Francis
6161 South Yale Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74136
Specimen Handling Document (PDF)
Identifying Specimen Type and Temperature
To ensure optimum testing conditions for a specimen that is sent to the laboratory, the client must determine the type of specimen to be sent (Exempt Human Specimen; Biological Substance, Category B; or Infectious Substance, Category A) and the temperature at which the specimen must be maintained during transit, using instructions for individual tests listed in the Test Directory.
Specimens submitted for Inherited Genetic Diseases fall under the category of "Exempt Human Specimens" if the specimen is not known to contain or suspected to contain a pathogen.
Specimen Collection
To ensure optimum testing conditions for a specimen shipped to our laboratory for testing, the client should determine the specific specimen type and transportation conditions (temperature) required. Refer to the individual tests listed in the Test Directory for specific instructions. If venipuncture is difficult, please contact the laboratory to determine if buccal swabs may be an alternative specimen.
Specimen Labeling
Specimens should be labeled legibly with at least two (2) patient identifiers to include the following:
- Patient Name (First and Last) - matching test requisition form.
- Unique Identifying Number (such as Date of Birth or Medical Record Number or Specimen Accession number)
Failure to label the specimen appropriately will likely cause a delay in testing or rejection of the specimen.
Completing the Test Requisition Form
For any familial known mutation testing, a laboratory report should be submitted with the specimen. If the mutation is a novel or rare mutation, the laboratory may request a blood specimen on an affected family member to be tested (at no cost) as part of the evaluation of the patient.
Payment Options
The Center for Genetics at Saint Francis accepts several types of payment including credit cards, insurance* and self-pay. View the Billing Information page for complete details.
*For out of state patients, the ONLY billable plans are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare and Cigna.
Packaging and Shipping Guidelines
When shipping specimens, it is essential that each specimen be packaged and shipped properly, according to DOT and IATA regulations. International clients should contact their transport carriers for specific instructions; a contact name on the shipped materials is important in the case that customs holds the specimen requiring more information.
The following rules apply for all specimens:
- The primary and secondary receptacles must be leak proof and do not contain more than 500 mL or grams.
- There must be absorbent material placed between the primary receptacle and the secondary packaging sufficient to absorb the entire contents of all primary containers within the secondary package.
- The primary receptacle or the secondary packaging must be capable of withstanding, without leakage, an internal pressure differential of not less than 95 kPa.
- If multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they must be either individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact between them.
For more information regarding shipping "Exempt Human Specimens" or "Biological Substances, Category B," please refer to DOT regulations or IATA regulations.
Shipping Instructions
Within the Saint Francis Hospital (Tulsa) Outreach Service Area: Local specimens may be picked up on an as needed basis or patients may be directed to their nearest Saint Francis Hospital Draw Site with a Physician's Order. Refer to Local - Collection and Transport Services for locations or more information.
Outside the Saint Francis Hospital (Tulsa) Outreach Service Area: Specimens outside the Tulsa area and the courier service area should be sent per shipping instructions using your preferred carrier of choice. Please be aware that the sender is responsible for covering all shipping expenses.
Receiving Schedule
Samples are received between 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday; Saturday deliveries are not recommended (please alert laboratory in advance if a Saturday delivery may occur). Please call the laboratory at 918-502-1721 for instructions on specimen storage conditions if specimen is collected on a Friday.
The laboratory is closed and cannot receive shipments during the following holidays:
- New Year's Day
- Good Friday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
Inappropriate Submissions
All specimens must be collected, labeled, transported and processed according to procedure. Review the appropriate container type, volume and special handling requirements needed for analysis before the specimen is collected - refer to the specific test information page in the Test Directory. If any of the guidelines for these processes are not met, the specimen may be rejected or the testing may be delayed due to insufficient information provided for specimen processing. The laboratory will contact the client or physician for resolution.
The following list represents some possible causes for specimen rejection or test cancellation:
- Inappropriate specimen type
- Insufficient volume for analysis (refer to the individual tests listed in the Laboratory Test directory (for acceptable minimum volumes)
- Improperly labeled specimen (must have two (2) identifiers; such as name and date of birth)
- Label on specimen does not match patient name on the test requisition form
- Inappropriate specimen container
- Improper specimen transport
- Specimen has leaked in transit
- Specimen has been submitted in incorrect or expired transport media
- Test order without a specimen
- Specimen without a test order
- No specimen type provided
- No specimen source provided
- Compromised specimen (e.g., hemolysis, lipemic, or clotted specimens)
- DNA or RNA can only be accepted as a specimen from a CLIA certified laboratory or a laboratory meeting equivalent requirements as determined by CAP and/or the CMS