Serum Sample Collection & Shipping Procedures

Principal
RBM Multi-Analyte (MAP) Technology can be applied to serum or plasma samples. To permit comparison across studies, the P30 Proteomics Core kindly requests that only serum samples be utilized.

Materials
1) Serum separator tube (Options include: Red-top, Gold-top, or Grey/red-top SST)
2) Transfer pipette
3) Cryovials (suggest using 1.0 mL or 1.8 mL)
4) Disposable gloves
5) Standard centrifuge

Safety Implications
Please observe proper precautions for biohazardous materials.

Collection Procedure
1) Collect blood in appropriate serum separator tube.
2) Gently invert the tube 8-10 times, and let tube sit in an upright position for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature to allow the blood to clot.
3) Label sample with appropriate study code.
4) *** Within 2 hours from time of collection***, spin the tubes at 1000 G using a standard room temperature centrifuge for 10-15 minutes.
5) Recover serum with transfer pipette.
6) Place ~0.5 mL of serum into each cryovial tube.
7) Clearly label the amount of serum in each tube.
8) Label each aliquot with appropriate study code and date of collection.
No identifying information should be included on the label.
9) Freeze serum at -80°C until ready to ship.

Both a Material Transfer Agreement and Proteomics Core Submission Sheet and
Material Transfer Agreement  must be recieved and approved Proteomics Core at Northwestern prior to sending samples. Submit completed forms to Mary Carns at
m-carns@northwestern.edu. Contact Mary by email or at (312) 503-1137 for inquiries or questions.

Shipping Procedure
1) Contact Sofia Podlusky at s-podlusky@northwestern.edu or (312) 503-1824 prior to shipment to ensure that the samples will be properly received.
2) Ship samples on dry ice using overnight shipping (ship only Monday through Thursday), and email the tracking number to Sofia Podlusky at s-podlusky@northwestern.edu.
It is important that the serum does not thaw during transport.
3) A shipping log, detailing sample information for each cryovial shipped (study code, date collected, aliquot amount) should be included with the shipment and emailed to Sofia Podlusky at
s-podlusky@northwestern.edu for verification purposes.
4) Ship samples to:
Attn: Sofia Podlusky
Rheumatology, Scleroderma Proteomics Core
Northwestern University
745 N Fairbanks Ct
McGaw Pavilion, M-230
Chicago, IL 60611-3009