TABLE 1.
Storage and shipping conditions of specimens
| Group | Specimen type | Storage conditionb | Shipment condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma | Immediately at −80°C | Dry ice | |
| 1 | DBSa | Immediately at −80°C | Dry ice |
| 2 | DBSa | Immediately at −80°C | Ambient |
| 3 | DBSa | Ambient for 2 weeks and then −80°C | Ambient |
| 4 | DBSa | Ambient for 4 weeks | Ambient |
| 5 | DBS (finger prick) | Ambient for 2 weeks and then −80°C | Ambient |
a
DBS made from venous blood collected in a K2EDTA tube.
b
All the DBS specimens prepared either from venous K2EDTA-anti-coagulated blood or directly spotting from finger-prick blood were allowed to dry overnight at ambient temperature before package and storage.