Collection, storage, and transportation of samples for offsite analysis

Abstract Starting from the practice of bio-warfare to surveys of any epidemiological studies, identification of the origin and causes of any outbreaks is a challenging task for any scientific and health care professionals. For this, advanced biochemical and molecular detection techniques are highly necessary and, to get the best biochemical and molecular results, proper methods of collection, storage, and transportation of samples are of the highest importance. It is likely that in every attack site or epidemic area, there will be a lack of availability of resources/equipment/competent technical staff; hence, offsite analysis of samples is necessary in these situations. Thousands of samples are currently being collected in many ongoing projects/studies. Even new proposed projects will result in more collection, storage, and transportation of biological specimens. For better understanding of the mechanisms of toxicity, evaluating the causal relationship between specific hazards and biological effects, accurately assessing the risk of exposure, differentiating between groups of higher or lower susceptibility, and providing solid scientific support to policy makers toward intervention strategies, the way of collection, storage, and transportation of samples play vital roles. Hence the purpose of this chapter is to discuss the challenges and potential pitfalls of biological sample collection, storage, and transportation for offsite analysis.