---
title: "Remington Lab FAQs at Sutter Health"
description: "Frequently asked questions about Sutter's serology lab."
url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/frequently-asked-questions"
---
1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) /
2. [Patient resources](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources) /
3. [Remington Lab](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory) /
4. FAQs
# Frequently asked questions
**Section menu**
- [Patient resources](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources "Patient resources")
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- [Privacy policy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/privacy-policy "Privacy policy")
- [Secure Health Information Exchange FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/health-information-exchange "Secure Health Information Exchange FAQs")
- [Terms of Use](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/terms-of-use "Terms of Use")
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- [End of Life Option](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/records-planning/end-of-life-option "End of Life Option")
- [Request Medical Records](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/records-planning/request-medical-records "Request Medical Records")
- [Remington Lab](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory "Remington Lab")
- [Clinician information](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/clinician-information "Clinician information")
- [FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/frequently-asked-questions "FAQs")
- [Patient information](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/patient-information "Patient information")
- [Remington Lab tests menu and information](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/serology-tests "Remington Lab tests menu and information")
- [Spiritual care and chaplaincy services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/spiritual-care-and-chaplaincy-services "Spiritual care and chaplaincy services")
- [Patient resources](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources "Patient resources")
- [Billing and Insurance](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/billing-and-insurance "Billing and Insurance")
- [Bioethics services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/bioethics-services "Bioethics services")
- [Bioethics team](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/bioethics-services/team "Bioethics team")
- [Pacific Employment Program](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/pacific-employment-program "Pacific Employment Program")
- [Sutter Care Management](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/sutter-care-management "Sutter Care Management")
- [Classes and events](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/classes-events "Classes and events")
- [Flu and COVID-19 resources](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/flu-and-covid-19-resources "Flu and COVID-19 resources")
- [Health Education Resource Centers](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/health-education-resource-centers "Health Education Resource Centers")
- [Language assistance](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/language-assistance "Language assistance")
- [My Health Online](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online "My Health Online")
- [Help center](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center "Help center")
- [Account and technical FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/account-technical-questions "Account and technical FAQs")
- [Billing and insurance FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/billing-and-insurance-questions "Billing and insurance FAQs")
- [Care and clinical FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/care-and-clinical-questions "Care and clinical FAQs")
- [Emmie - AI assistant FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/emmie-ai-assistant-questions "Emmie - AI assistant FAQs")
- [Sansum patients FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/sansum-patients "Sansum patients FAQs")
- [Video Visit FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/video-visit-questions "Video Visit FAQs")
- [Register for delivery](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/delivery-pre-register "Register for delivery")
- [How to enroll](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/enroll "How to enroll")
- [Proxy access](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/proxy-access "Proxy access")
- [My Health Online teen enrollment](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/teen-enrollment "My Health Online teen enrollment")
- [On-demand video visit waiting room](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/odvv-waiting-room "On-demand video visit waiting room")
- [Patient and Family Advisory Councils](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/patient-advisory-council "Patient and Family Advisory Councils")
- [Privacy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy "Privacy")
- [Notice of privacy practices](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/hipaa-privacy "Notice of privacy practices")
- [Patient rights and responsibilities](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/patient-rights-and-responsibilities "Patient rights and responsibilities")
- [Privacy policy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/privacy-policy "Privacy policy")
- [Secure Health Information Exchange FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/health-information-exchange "Secure Health Information Exchange FAQs")
- [Terms of Use](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/terms-of-use "Terms of Use")
- [Records planning](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/records-planning "Records planning")
- [Advance Health Care Directive](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/records-planning/advance-directive "Advance Health Care Directive")
- [End of Life Option](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/records-planning/end-of-life-option "End of Life Option")
- [Request Medical Records](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/records-planning/request-medical-records "Request Medical Records")
- [Remington Lab](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory "Remington Lab")
- [Clinician information](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/clinician-information "Clinician information")
- [FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/frequently-asked-questions "FAQs")
- [Patient information](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/patient-information "Patient information")
- [Remington Lab tests menu and information](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/serology-tests "Remington Lab tests menu and information")
- [Spiritual care and chaplaincy services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/spiritual-care-and-chaplaincy-services "Spiritual care and chaplaincy services")
FAQ
**What kind of specimen do you need for serological testing in peripheral blood?**
Serum is required. Our specimen requirement for serological testing is 2ml \[minimum 0.5\], but this amount may be insufficient for repeat testing of serum.
**What kind of collection tube is required?**
Serum should be collected in a red-top tube, serum-separator tube (SST), or a tiger top tube. Please centrifuge the specimen, and if possible, send serum only. If using a plain red top, you must separate serum.
**How do I send the specimen?**
Specimens should be sent using an overnight courier such as FedEx or UPS. Please note that we do not pay for shipping (unless previously agreed under special circumstances).
**At what temperature should the specimens be sent?**
Serum specimens can be sent at ambient temperature as long as the sample is sent to us overnight. However, if shipping of the sample is delayed or the sample is going to be stored, serum should be sent on cold ice packs or stored frozen.
**Do you receive packages over the weekend?**
The Remington Laboratory is closed on weekends and holidays. It is recommended to not to ship on a Friday or the day before any holiday.
**Can serum and PCR specimens be mailed/sent in the same bag?**
If you’re sending multiples samples, please be sure to place PCR specimens in separate biohazard bags to avoid contamination. All samples received for PCR testing will be prepared for testing, and will not be suitable for return. (Please see PCR Specimen requirements for shipping conditions)
**Should a serum sample be sent if there is a request for PCR testing?**
Yes. A serum specimen should ideally accompany PCR test requests for any patient not recently tested in our laboratory.
The minimum requests for serologic testing should include IgG and IgM. There is an additional charge for testing this serum.
For charges, please see our current fee schedule.
**Why should a serum sample be sent with a PCR test request?**
Interpretation of the clinical significance of PCR results will be enhanced if results of serologic testing of the patient’s serum in our laboratory is available to our medical consultant.
**Can the patient or the insurance be billed for testing?**
We cannot bill insurance or the patient directly. We can only bill the hospital, doctor or laboratory where the specimen originated. Another option is for the patient to include a personal check or money order along with the specimen. These latter patients will receive a paid receipt after testing is completed. Please be aware, if your patient’s check does not clear, or if there is a remaining balance, the ordering physician is responsible for all charges.
**Can you bill New York State physicians?**
New York State law prohibits us from billing New York State physicians directly. Therefore, all patients from New York whose specimens are sent to us by a private physician must include a check or money order.
**Why must I send the mother’s serum along with the baby’s specimen?**
It is necessary to test the mother’s serum in parallel with the infant’s in order to compare antibody titers produced by each. Passive IgG antibodies (from the mother) will decrease by about 50% in the infants’ serum each month. Testing the serum of an infant who has IgG antibodies for T. gondii every 1 – 2 months will aid in determining if the baby is producing its own antibodies.
**What are the methods of payment available at PAMF?**
We accept checks or money orders. We also accept credit cards (VISA and MASTERCARD only). Please be informed that if patient’s check does not clear or if credit card payment has been declined, the ordering physician/laboratory where specimens originated will be responsible for the charges. (Please see Billing Information)
**What is the shipping address?**
Send all specimens to:
**Dr. Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics**
795 El Camino Real, Ames Building
Palo Alto, CA 94301
**What is the holiday schedule?**
| **Dates** | Holidays | **Remington lab status** | **Open to receive samples** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Jan 1, 2024** | New Year’s Day\* | Closed | No |
| **Jan 15, 2024** | Martin Luther King Jr. Day\* | Closed | No |
| **Feb 19, 2024** | President's Day\* | Closed | No |
| **May 27, 2024** | Memorial Day\* | Closed | No |
| **July 4, 2024** | Independence Day\* | Closed | No |
| **July 5, 2024** | Independence Day\* | Closed | No |
| **Sept 2, 2024** | Labor Day\* | Closed | No |
| **Nov 27, 2024**
**Nov 28, 2024**
**Nov 29, 2024** | Thanksgiving\*\* | Closing at 2:00 pm
Closed
Closed | Yes
No
No |
| **Dec 24, 2024**
**Dec 25, 2024**
**Dec 31, 2024** | Christmas Eve⸙Christmas⸙
New Year’s Eve⸙ | Closing at 2:00 pm
Closed
Closing at 2:00 pm | Yes
No
Yes |
**Please note that we are closed Saturday and Sunday. To ensure specimen integrity, we recommend specimens are not shipped to arrive on weekends or holidays.**
#### **\*Martin Luther King, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day**
- **Monday: Closed for observance of Martin Luther King, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day**
- **Toxoplasma Serology tests:** IgG (Dye test), Alternative IgG, Remington IgM ELISA, Alternative IgM, Remington IgM ISAGA, AC/HS, Remington IgA ELISA, Remington IgE ELISA.
Specimens received by 12:00 pm on Tuesday, will be tested that day. Verbal results will be available by 1:00 pm the following day. Avidity will be performed and released on Wednesday. Specimens received by 12:00 pm on Thursday will be tested that day for IgG (Dye Test), Alternative IgG, Remington IgM ELISA, Alternative IgM, Remington IgM ISAGA, AC/HS, Remington IgA ELISA, Remington IgE ELISA. Verbal results will be available by 1:00 pm the following day. Avidity will be performed and released on Friday.
- **Toxoplasma PCR:** Specimens received by 12:00 pm on the Friday before the Monday holiday will have verbal results available by 1:00 pm the Tuesday following the holiday. Specimens received by 12:00 pm on Wednesday will have verbal results available the following day by 1:00 pm.
- **Covid PCR:** Specimens received by 12:00pm Monday-Friday will be tested that day. Results are available within 48 hours.
#### **\*\*Independence Day, Thanksgiving Holiday**
- **Monday through Tuesday:** Routine testing schedule
- **Toxoplasma Serology tests:** Specimens received by 12:00 pm on Monday will be tested that day. Verbal results will be available by 1:00 pm the following day. Specimens received by 12:00 pm on Wednesday will be tested the Tuesday following the holiday.
- **Toxoplasma PCR:** Specimens received by 12:00 pm on Tuesday, July 2, and November 26 will have verbal results available by 1:00 pm the following day.
- **Covid PCR:** Specimens received by 12:00pm Monday-Wednesday will be tested that day. Results are available within 48 hours.
Thursday through Friday: Closed for observance of Thanksgiving.
#### **⸙Christmas and New Year’s Day**
- **Monday through Tuesday**: Routine testing schedule
Toxoplasma Serology tests: Specimens received by 12:00 pm on Monday will be tested that day. Verbal results will be available by 1:00 pm the following day. Specimens received by 12:00 pm on Tuesday will be tested the Thursday following the holiday. Verbal results will be available by 1:00 pm the following day.
- **Toxoplasma PCR:** Specimens received by 12:00 pm on Tuesday, December 24, and December 31, will have verbal results available by 1:00 pm the Thursday following the holiday.
- **Covid PCR:** Specimens received by 12:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday will be tested that day. Results are available within 48 hours.
- **Wednesday: Closed for observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day.**
#### **Routine test schedule**
- **Toxoplasma Serology tests:** IgG (Dye test), Remington IgM ELISA, Remington IgM ISAGA, Remington IgA ELISA, Remington IgE ELISA, AC/HS, Avidity
Specimens received by 12:00 pm on Monday and Wednesday will be tested that day. Verbal results are available by 3:00 pm the following day. Specimens received by noon on Thursday will be tested for IgG (Dye Test), Remington IgM ELISA, and Avidity only that day. Verbal results are available by 3:00 pm the following day.
- **Toxoplasma PCR:** Specimens received by noon on Tuesday will have verbal results available by 3:00 pm the following day. Specimens received by noon on Friday will have verbal results available by 3:00 pm the following Monday.
- **Toxoplasma Isolation:** Final results are available approximately six weeks from the date received.
_**Note:** To ensure the quality of test results, repeat testing is sometimes required. This may delay reporting of results._
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