Specimen Transport

International Shipping Guide

Updated November 2006

This guide provides packing and transportation instructions for international clients shipping medical specimens to Mayo Medical Laboratories.

Test Request Procedure

The Order Tests section provides detailed instructions for requesting tests and the commonly needed forms.

Recommendations

Ship Monday through Thursday - do not ship Friday

Shipments made on Friday may not clear U.S. Customs until Monday. Specimen integrity could be compromised due to thawing.

Do not ship specimens on the day of or the day before a U.S. holiday

Customs clearance will delay your shipment one (1) extra day.

U.S. Holidays to consider:

  • New Year’s Day - January 1
  • Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
  • Independence Day - July 4
  • Labor Day - First Monday in September
  • Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November
  • Christmas Day - December 25

Packing and Shipping Instructions