For the most optimal diagnosis, it’s important to have your samples properly shipped to our laboratories.
UChicago Medical Laboratories’ specimen transportation procedures reflect the wide variety of clinical and anatomic pathology specimens received for testing from a large geographic area. The shipping and courier services which are included in our test charges are based on a number of factors including; where the specimen is coming from, specimen type, and the stability requirements for the particular specimen.
UChicago Medical Laboratories maintains independent contractor relationships with a local courier service and global carriers. For specimens coming from facilities less than 50 miles we use our local contracted courier service. Please contact the Laboratory Outreach Manager at 312-213-5441 or our Customer Service Department at 773-702-8287.
Dental and other medical facilities outside the 50 mile radius please contact the Laboratory Outreach Manager at 312-213-5441 or our Customer Service Department at 773-702-8287 to have this setup via FedEx. UChicago Medical Laboratories has made arrangements with our contracted carriers for payment for approved transportation services when properly ordered by a client.
Non-covered services will be billed directly to the client. The specific services we cover were chosen to provide a cost effective transport solution to the greatest number of clients in order to help maintain the integrity of the most common types of specimens we receive for testing.
Included transportation services
Specimen Pick-Up Location
Less than 50 miles from UChicago Medical Laboratories
- CP Specimens
- Courier Service Pick-Up
- Same Business Day
- AP Specimens
- Courier Service Pick-Up
- Same Business Day
Greater than 50 miles from UChicago Medical Laboratories
- CP Specimens
- FedEx or UPS Service
- Next Business Day
- AP Specimens
- FedEx or UPS Service
- Next Business Day
Expedited or unusual transportation needs
Although UChicago Medical Laboratories’ test charges include only the specific transport services described above, a client’s expedited or unusual transport needs may also be met by UPS. Clients should contact UPS directly to arrange transport.
Clients may also use their own courier or shipping service to transport specimens to UChicago Medical Laboratories. All specimens must be handled and maintained according to industry standards, the requirements of UChicago Medical Laboratories’ Test Catalog, and all applicable state and federal regulations and restrictions for transportation of biological and hazardous materials.
All costs associated with transportation services other than the UChicago Medical Laboratories included services described above are the sole responsibility of client. UChicago Medical Laboratories does not cover partial costs nor does it offer discounted pricing for specimens that are transported by a method other than our included services.
Courier information
Same Business Day and Next Business Day services are available for both CP and AP specimens when a client is located 50 miles or less from the University of Chicago Medicine. Client should contact UChicago Medical Laboratories to determine which service is appropriate for the type of testing requested. Many CP tests require expedited turnaround time and are therefore not suitable for either type of service. UChicago Medical Laboratories maintains an independent contractor relationship with a local courier for pick-up and delivery of this category of specimens. Requests for same business day service must be received the day before the scheduled pick-up. Expedited service may be available; however all charges (not just excess amounts) for expedited pick-up and delivery will be billed directly to the client.
Shipping information
Next Business Day service is available for CP and AP specimens when the client is located greater than 50 miles from UChicago Medical Laboratories. Client should contact UChicago Medical Laboratories to determine if this service is appropriate for the type of testing they require. Many CP tests require expedited turnaround time and are therefore not suitable for Next Business Day service. UChicago Medical Laboratories maintains an independent contractor relationship with UPS and FedEx for pick-up and delivery of this category of specimens. Expedited services may be available through UPS however all charges (not just excess amounts) for expedited pick-up and delivery will be billed directly to the client.
To schedule a Next Business Day service pick-up, call UPS at 1-800-PICK-UPS or FedEx at 1-800-GO-FEDEX. Tell the operator the following information.
- Your UChicago Medical Laboratories Account #: (provided by your Client Service Representative)
- The UChicago Medical Laboratories Zip Code: 60637
- Pick-up Information including your address with a room/suite number and a contact name.
- The UPS or FedEx service type you require. We cover Priority Overnight and Saturday Delivery
- UChicago Medical Laboratories Delivery Address:
UChicago Medical Laboratories Department of Pathology
5812 South Ellis Avenue
Surgery Brain Research Institute
Room J601, MC-6101
Chicago, IL 60637
To discuss your specific specimen delivery requirements please contact your UChicago Medical Laboratories client service representative at 773-834-4070 or uchicago.medlabs@uchospitals.edu.