Type of sample/quantity required: the matrices to be analysed differ depending on the test to be carried out, however, some precautions are necessary to avoid failure to perform the test. For example, send whole blood and marrow in test tubes with anticoagulant but not serum or plasma, use sterile swabs with no transport medium, ensure that smears are sent on slides (such as those initially used for cytological examination) with good cellularity, send biopsies embedded in paraffin or saline but not formalin, and send faeces in containers suitable for their sampling;

Storage/shipping methods: if samples are not shipped the same day, they can be stored at 4°C for a few days (in the case of fresh matrices such as blood and tissue in physiological saline) or at ambient temperature (including tissues and slides). Samples can be shipped at ambient temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reporting times vary depending on the technique used, but generally do not exceed 5 working days.