Sample Submission

There are 3 simple steps to submit a sample to Accugenix or our European partner for accurate, rapid, microbial identifications and strain typing results.

Step 1. Sample Preparation

Step 2. Completing the Identification Request Form (IRF), or go directly to Online form.

Step 3. Sample Shipment

Step 1. Sample Preparation Overview

Depending on the testing service required, we have multiple options for preparing your samples. Click on the appropriate image below to download a detailed sample preparation guide for your preferred sample submission method. Each method includes a “how to pack your sample(s) for shipment section.

 Service Technology Live Cultures DNA Extraction Ethanol Preparation FTA® Cards
AccuGENX-ID™ Sequencing Sample Preparation for Bacterial Identification using live cultures Sample Prep Method DNA Extracts Bacterial Identification using ethanol extracts Sample Prep Method FTA Cards
AccuPRO-ID® MALDI-TOF Sample Preparation for Bacterial Identification using live cultures Bacterial Identification using ethanol extracts
Strain Typing Ribotyping
 Sample Preparation for Bacterial Identification using live cultures Bacterial Identification using ethanol extracts
Strain Typing MLST or SLST Sample Preparation for Bacterial Identification using live cultures Sample Prep Method DNA Extracts Bacterial Identification using ethanol extracts Sample Prep Method FTA Cards

Important points to consider when submitting samples for AccuPRO-ID®:

  • Both temperature and time are critical factors that will affect results when shipping live cultures. Samples should not be exposed to or stored below Room Temperature (20 – 25°C) at anytime. The total time from sample inoculation to arrival at Accugenix should not exceed 48 hours to ensure immediate processing. Live cultures exceeding 48 hours of age upon receipt at Accugenix may have to be subcultured thereby delaying the requested turnaround time for results.
  • To prepare your ethanol preparations always use cultures that are 24-48 hours old. For slow growing organisms, harvest as soon as there is visible growth.
  • Do not refrigerate the plates prior to the preparation of ethanol preparations.

Important points to consider when submitting live cultures on plates:

  • Pure cultures are essential for microbial identification and strain typing.
  • DNA sequencing does not require a viable culture nor is it dependent on growth conditions of the organism.
  • When submitting a plate with multiple organisms, well isolated colonies are required.
  • The Identification Request Form provides check off boxes when single or multiple colonies require identification(s). A comment section is available for specific instructions to assist our laboratory in processing your samples.

Important points to consider when submitting live cultures in broth:

  • A pure culture is required for identification and/or strain typing.
  • A mixture of organisms in a broth will require additional time for subculturing and delay results.
  • Include absorbent material inside the bag or container (e.g., paper towels or cotton gauze).
  • Please contact Accugenix prior to sending liquid cultures should you have any questions.

Important points to consider when samples require subculturing:

  • Our laboratory stocks standard media including TSA, TSA with 5% sheep’s blood, R2A, SDA and PDA.
  • We are equipped to grow cultures aerobically and anaerobically.
  • Our incubators are set at 30°C, 35°C and 55°C.
  • If you know that your sample requires growth conditions outside of these parameters, please discuss this with your Technical Support Specialist.

Precaution: Accugenix cannot accept live organisms that must be handled in BSL-3 or higher laboratories.

Click here for Step 2 – Completing the IRF

Click here for Step 3 – Shipping Samples

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