Division I.2 Shipment of samples for fish

Tubes containing fish tissues in transport medium for cell cultivation or RT-PCR/RT-qPCR analysis shall be placed in insulated containers, such as thick-walled polystyrene boxes, together with sufficient ice or an alternative cooling medium with the similar cooling effect to ensure chilling of the samples during transportation to the laboratory. However, freezing of the samples shall be avoided. The temperature of a sample during transit must never exceed 10 °C and ice must still be present in the transport box at receipt or one or more freeze blocks must still be partly or completely frozen.

Whole fish may be sent to the laboratory if the temperature requirements referred to in the first paragraph during transportation can be fulfilled. Whole fish shall be wrapped up in paper with absorptive capacity and shall finally be shipped in a plastic bag. Live fish may also be shipped.