Specimens of plasma, serum and leukocytes are required at baseline and specimens of plasma annually. Instructions for obtaining, processing and storing these specimens are in Chapter 11 of the Manual of Operations. A subset of sites will also be collecting a specimen of viably cryopreserved PBMCs at screening (baseline) and annually. You will be notified if your site is participating in the PBMC collection. Processing and shipping instructions for PBMCs will be distributed separately.

The Copenhagen ICC in Copenhagen, Denmark will be serving as the Regional Repository for specimens from the Copenhagen Region. When you have a full box of specimens to ship, prepare the package(s) of frozen specimens as instructed in the shipment guidelines. Any problems with the delivery of the package should be resolved between the site and the Copenhagen ICC.

The Copenhagen ICC will use the Saf-T-Pak 310 packaging system. It consists of an outer cardboard box and an inner insulated container. Packages containing infectious substances must be packaged in accordance with Packing Instruction 602 or instruction 650 (Diagnostic Specimens) as found in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Manual. Packing instructions are included. The Copenhagen ICC will provide each site with complete boxes when shipment is ready

Updated: 07 Dec 2007