(2) Place tissue specimens in a Teflon^{ TM} container filled ¼ inch from the bottom with a preservative, (formalin 10%) for preservation of the specimen until it reaches its proper destination. Seal the container and lid with parafilm. As with any other medical specimens, tissue specimens are refrigerated prior to shipment; but do not freeze tissue specimens.
_f._ Collect nasal swabs by using a cotton-tipped swab. Place the swab with collected specimen in a Teflon^{ TM} container filled ¼ inch from the bottom with a preservative for preservation of the specimen until it reaches its destination. Seal the container and lid with parafilm. Refrigerate the specimen for shipment, but do not freeze.
_g._ Collect sputum by having the patient discharge the sputum into a small, sterile screw-top jar or urine specimen cup. Seal the container and refrigerate the specimen for shipment, but do not freeze.
Post mortem specimens should be collected by individuals trained in forensics. When forensics-trained individuals are not available, the most qualified medical person should collect human specimens. Specimens from animals should be collected by veterinary personnel. In either case, the following specimens are collected:
· =Blood.= Use a 50 to 60 cc sterile syringe with an 18-gauge, 5-inch (large bore) needle to collect blood from the heart, and urine directly from the bladder. Use a spinal needle to collect cerebral spinal fluids. Three of each type of specimens must be collected.
· =Lungs.= A biopsy needle is needed to properly collect lung tissue specimens. After collecting specimens from the lungs, place specimens in a plastic or Teflon^{ TM} container filled with 10% formalin (preservative) and seal the container for transporting to its destination.
· =Liver.= If possible collect liver core specimens, using a large-gauge needle (18-gauge, 5-inch long) via intercostal or abdominal puncture. Or, if the family consents, perform a minilaparotomy and obtain one or two 2×2×2 cm sections of liver. Store and package the specimen as directed for tissue specimens. For suspect biological agents, see Table B-1 for specific types of specimens, amount, collection medium, and from whom to collect.