We require that the sample manifest online form is filled out and you receive a confirmation from a lab member before any samples are shipped. 

Because our project is constantly evolving, actual requirements may differ from the guidelines below. Please contact us directly for the specific guidelines for your project. 

Sample Requirements

We strongly prefer samples flash frozen within 5-10 minutes of collection and stored at -80C. Please let us know immediately if this storage method might not be possible.

Most lysis and stabilizing buffers (such as RNAlater) are NOT compatible with our long-read technologies.


If any of the requirements above are not realistic for your organism, let us know and we can look into alternative strategies.

Note: Larger genomes may require more sample input. Contact us for guidance on the appropriate sample amount based on your species' genome size. 

If you are unsure about whether we accept your tissue type, or if your tissue type is unknown, please contact us directly. 

Shipping guidelines

Please read through the full guide to ensure all protocol is met for packaging your samples

Packaging Samples

Samples packed in labeled epitube 

For tissue and nucleated blood, dispense into 2mL cryotubes or epitubes. For non-nucleated mammalian blood, collect whole blood using K2 EDTA tubes using the methods best suited to your practice, and aliquot blood/EDTA solution into at least two 2mL cryotubes or epitubes. Clearly label each tube with the species name, a unique ID, and the sample type. Secure around the cap with parafilm.

Sample packed in tissues and 50mL falcon tube

If you have only a few samples, place them in a 50mL Falcon tube with cotton, Kimwipes, or tissue for protection.

50mL falcon tubes in dry-ice

Place all falcon tubes together in a secured bag and pack in dry ice. Do not put any free-floating tubes in the shipment container.

Epitubes in a freezer box

For larger sample batches, you may use a cardboard freezer-safe grid box

Taped closed freezer box in dry ice

Secure the box with tape, wrap with an absorbent material, place in plastic bag, and pack in dry ice

Box Guide

The outside of your shipping box must prominently display a UN 1845 dry ice sticker and a sticker indicating that the package must be kept upright

Shipping Information

Our shipping address is as follows:

Vertebrate Genome Laboratory

The Rockefeller University

1230 York Ave, Box 366

New York, NY, USA 10065

(212) 327-8216

Before shipping, please check that you have followed all local sample collection laws, and contact us for help acquiring permits. We have a blanket permit for importing CITES vertebrate species and USDA protected migratory birds. Our permitting team will be happy to assist you.

Please complete the sample manifest online and include a copy of it in your packaging. 


Please note: Box 366 is NOT a PO Box. It refers to our internal university mailing system.

Before putting anything in the mail, please make sure you have completed the following:

1. A lab member has confirmed with you that we are ready to receive your shipment. 

2. You have completed the sample manifest online as well as printed a copy to include in the shipment with your samples.

3. Your samples are all labeled and packaged per the above outlined specifications.


Warning: Do not send your sample without confirmation from a lab member, or we cannot guarantee its safe arrival.

If we are covering the shipping cost, contact us at vgl@rockefeller.edu to arrange. Please complete the online sample manifest as far in advance of the shipment as possible. Please reach out to our team with any questions.