• Procedure for shipping wet fixed-tissue.

1. Whole hearts should be immersion or perfusion-fixed at least 24 hours prior to shipping for histology. Do not over-fix specimens - please ship within 48 hours post-fixation.
2. Remove most of the formalin and wrap the specimen in gauze soaked in fixative and place in two zip-lock or heat-sealed bags.
3. Label the bag with an adhesive printed label containing the specimen identification (i.e. animal number.)
4. Place the sealed bags in a screw-top plastic container to avoid crushing.
5. Label the outside of the plastic container with specimen ID, Contributor/Sponsor, Study/Protocol Number, or any other pertinent information to identify the specimen.
6. Include with the specimen: paperwork, protocol, necropsy/pathology report (if applicable,) work requested (i.e., light microscopy, scanning/transmission microscopy, etc.)
7. The paperwork MUST INCLUDE a chain of custody form and an inventory of all items shipped (including paperwork) with a FAX return number to record that specimens arrived to CVPath.
8. Place in an appropriate box lined with plastic bags, cover the individual containers with bubble-wrap, and place specimens in the box making sure the containers are snug. Place all paperwork in a zip-lock bag to be included in the shipment. Seal box with packing tape.
9. PLEASE NOTIFY CVPATH (email: info@cvpath.org ) AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE WITH THE SHIPMENT AND INCLUDE TRACKING NUMBER.
10. Shipping address:
Renu Virmani, MD
19 Firstfield Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Tel: (301) 208-3570


• Cardiac Devices

Models available for animal studies:
- Rabbit stenting in the presence or absence of Atherosclorsis
- Vulnerable Atherosclerosis plaque model