Chemical Threats Response

Sample Collection and Shipment

Please call the laboratory before submitting any samples for analysis. For the CT program to accept any sample, a TIPS number is required. Information on how to get a TIPS number can be located on the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC) website.

For Blood Samples, specimens are collected in 4-mL of larger non-gel vacuum-fill (vacutainer) blood tubes containing Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as the anticoagulant agent (purple-top) and 4-mL or larger heparin (green-or-gray top). Ideally, per patient collect 3 purple-top and 1 green-or-gray top. Also include 2 empty, unused tubes per lot of the purple-top and green-or-gray top. Refrigerate blood samples at 5 ± 3 °C until submitted to the ADHS laboratory. DO NOT FREEZE. For further instructions refer to the Guide to Lab Services: Chemistry.

For Urine Samples, specimens are collected in a screw-cap plastic urine cup with a volume of 50+ mL. Ideally, per patient collect 1 urine cup. Also include 2 empty, unused urine cups per lot. Freeze sample as soon as possible or store on dry ice until submitted to the ADHS laboratory. For further instructions refer to the Guide to Lab Services: Chemistry.

Each sample must be accompanied by a properly completed Clinical Chemistry Sample Submission Form – Blood/Urine/Serum and Clinical Chemistry Specimen ID Form.