Sending samples
Everything you need to get a sample to us in good condition, from the vial to the post office.
Preserved samples
Preserved semen samples must be sent in buffered formal saline (BFS). Semen in the wrong preservative can arrive in poor condition and may not be able to be assessed. Some abnormalities seen in sperm are caused by the wrong preservative, so the right solution matters.
2 mL vials containing 1 mL of BFS can be ordered by email at admin@qsml.com.au, through our order form, or by phoning 0427 754 709. Vials are screw cap unless you ask otherwise.
How much semen to add
- Creamy (600 x 10⁶/mL): add 1 to 2 drops to the BFS. Keep vials at about 37°C before adding semen and as cool as possible after.
- Milky: add 5 to 6 drops.
- Watery (180 x 10⁶/mL): take out half the BFS and fill the vial. Keep these vials cool to reduce bacterial growth.
Avoid clumping
Shake the vial gently after adding the semen. Once clumping happens, accurate morphology results are difficult or impossible.
Contaminated samples
If a sample is contaminated with urine, keep it refrigerated as much as possible to slow bacterial growth.
Packing and posting
All preserved samples, domestic and international, should go by express post or courier. Every package needs:
- Vials inside a sealable plastic bag or container
- Plenty of padding around the vials. Bubble wrap or a padded post pack works well.
- An email to admin@qsml.com.au letting us know samples are on the way, so we can collect courier deliveries promptly
- Your Bull Reporter II file number. If you're not sure of it, give us the place of examination.
Not using Bull Reporter II? Fill in our breeding soundness worksheet with the crush side data (breed, scrotal circumference, motility and collection number), put a copy in the package and email it to us.
Please don't use a paper envelope. Sorting machines will shatter the vials. If you use clip top vials, check they're properly closed front and back.
Frozen samples
To assess frozen semen we need the frozen straws sent in liquid nitrogen, in a tank (dewar) or dry shipper.
Contact us before you ship so the samples are booked in and processed promptly on arrival, while there's still enough liquid nitrogen in the tank.
Judy, Lab 2: 0418 475 180, or 07 4675 4536 if no answer. Or email admin@qsml.com.au.
To confirm: the current site lists three different numbers for frozen samples. These are from the team's current email signature. Which should vets use?
Sending from overseas
Print the quarantine information on your business letterhead and attach it to the outside of the package. Without it, Australian Biosecurity may seize the package.