Vaccinia shipping

[Michael G. Kurilla]

tobin at fcs260c.ncifcrf.gov  writes:
> I plan to send vaccinia virus stocks to a colleague overseas.  I 
> have worked out the safety regulations, but would like advice
> regarding the form of the virus stocks.  I originally planned to
> send the virus frozen on dry ice, but it would be much cheaper
> and secure if I could send it lyophilized.  Can anyone give me 
> some advice as how to do this?  Do I just dry it down and let 
> the recipient add water?  Thanks in advance.  If you send replies 
> by E-mail, I will summarize in a later post.
> -Greg
> -- 
> Greg Tobin, Ph.D.                        tobin at lcms-1.ncifcrf.gov
> LCMS 
> PO Box B
> Frederick, MD 21702


I have been sending vaccinia recombinant lyophilized for years.
People don't seem complain.  All I do is add bovine serum to 5%
(not really sure that it is necessary) and dry in a Savant.  I
usually put a cap on the tube (I use the screw tops with an
O-ring) and poke holes with a heated needle.  After drying, I
replace the screw top with an unused one and wrap the whole
thing in Parafilm.  I have shipped stuff like this from the USA
to England, France, Sweden, and Australia without any
complaints about loss of viral infectivity.

Good Luck!

Mike K