1. Source of specimen is required, please include on requisition.
2. Two prepared slides or smears can be submitted. Fix with acetone. Place in slide holder. Ship at ambient temperature.
3. Specimens such as vesicular lesion and genital lesion can be placed into an M4 medium.
4. CSF or semen can be submitted in sterile, leak proof container.
5. Specimens received more than 72 hours from time of draw must be frozen at -70C (not -20C) or on dry ice. Do not freeze specimen at -20 C. Virus loses infectivity.
6. M4 transport media (M4) and dacron-tipped swabs with plastic or fine-wire shafts available for use with M4 are provided