Please read all of the instructions before collecting a sample. Click on any image to see a larger version. If you have any questions, please email: microsetta@ucsd.edu
NEXT STEP: Create your account
Step 1 | Read Instructions
Step 2 | Create an Account & Source
Create an Account
Click the “Sign Up/Login” button at the upper right corner of the page at https://microsetta.ucsd.edu.
Click the blue “Sign Up” button at the right side of the page and enter in the same email that you used to receive your activation code, and choose a password before pressing the button to submit
You will need to confirm your email by clicking on the link in the confirmation that you should receive momentarily. If you do not get this email, please contact microsetta@ucsd.edu so we can assist you.
NOTE: If you have an existing account and are re-confirming your email address, the remaining steps may vary slightly, and not every step will be applicable.
With a Collection Kit ID
Use this method if you have already received your kit.
Once your email is confirmed you will be brought to a new window where you can enter your name, address, and other account details. In order to complete the account creation, you’ll need to enter your Kit ID (found on your registration card) into the field at the bottom of the page. You do not need to fill in the ‘Activation Code’ field.
Click on the blue “Save” button to complete this step.
NEXT STEP: Select your source
With an Activation Code
Use this method if you received an Activation Code at the email address you signed up with. Your email address is linked to this information and must be the same email used to set up your account.
Once your email is confirmed you will be brought to a new window where you can enter your name, address, and other account details. In order to complete the account creation, you’ll need to enter your activation code into the field at the bottom of the page. You do not need to fill in the ‘Kit ID’ field.
Click on the blue “Save” button to complete this step.
NEXT STEP: Select your source
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Select your Source
Once you have created your account you will be brought to a new window where you will need to create a source if you have not previously participated with TMI.
If your name is not listed under sources, click the blue “Select” button under “Human Source” at the bottom of the page.
You will be taken to a form and two surveys. Please be sure to allow at least 20 minutes to complete these tasks.
- Select the appropriate age and complete the Consent Form
- You will automatically be taken to the Primary Questionnaire to input your details
- You will then automatically be taken to the COVID-19 Questionnaire
NOTE: If you are using an Activation Code you will need to STOP here until your collection kit arrives.
NEXT STEP: Take your sample
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Step 3 | Collect a Sample
Select your sample type to review the specific collection instructions
How to Collect a Fecal Sample
We prefer fecal samples to be shipped back within 48 hours, however, the kits have been designed to keep your sample viable for extended periods and can be stored at room temperature (does not need refrigeration).
Step 3.a
Place the collection tube in the built-in tube holder, found inside the box on the lower left-hand corner.
Step 3.b
Open the sample swabs, and make sure to handle them at the ends of the shaft only.
Avoid touching the cotton tips.
Rub both cotton tips over the fecal specimen – ideally from a used piece of toilet paper.
DO
- Saturate at least half of the cotton tips. Do not oversaturate the sample.
- If you have a hard specimen, rub enough on both sides of the cotton tips to get a light smear.
DO NOT
- Do not provide excess material.
- Do not collect any urine in your sample.
- Do not fish out fecal specimens from the toilet bowl.
Step 3.c
After collecting the sample, place the sample swabs (cotton tips face down) into the collection tube with the preservation solution.
Step 3.d
Tighten the cap onto the tube, making sure no content can leak out.
Step 3.e
Wash your hands.
Step 3.f
Record your collection information on the Registration Card that was included in the step 2 pocket of your kit and keep it for your records.
NOTE THAT THIS STEP IS VERY IMPORTANT.
This card will have all of the information to assist with resolving any issues or missing information that could occur in your account. Please hold on to this card for the duration of the project.
NEXT STEP: Record your sample information
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How to Collect a Saliva Sample
Note: If taking a saliva sample, swabs are not needed.
To begin cough deeply 3-5 times. Spit out the saliva generated into the sample collection tube. Continue filling the tube on top of the preservation solution. Continue spitting until the tube is approximately halfway full of saliva – bubbles don’t count!
Tighten the cap onto the tube, making sure no content can leak out.
DO NOT
Eat, drink, or chew gum for two hours before sampling.
How to Collect a Skin Sample
- Take the sample swabs out of the packet.
- Handling both swabs, dip them into the preservation solution, and firmly rub both sides of both tips over the intended skin surface for 20 seconds.
- Ensure that you are pressing relatively hard with the cotton tips. Good areas to take a skin sample are across the forehead or the broad palm of a hand.
- After collecting the sample, place the sample swabs (cotton tips face down) into the collection tube. Tighten the cap onto the tube, making sure no content can leak out.
DO NOT
- Do not wash the intended skin surface for at least two hours before sampling.
- Do not sample near the eyes or genital area.
Note: The preservation solution contains ethanol, which may cause burning, stinging, or a cold feeling when applied to the skin.
How to Collect a Nasal Sample
If taking a nasal sample, take the swabs out of the packet. Rub both cotton tips in a circular motion around the inside of your nostril for ten seconds. Slight pressure with a finger on the outside of the nose helps to assure good contact. Make sure to saturate the tips in nasal mucus before returning them to the collection tube.
After collecting the sample, place the sample swabs (cotton tips face down) into the collection tube. Tighten the cap onto the tube, making sure no content can leak out.
Step 4 | Record Information & Prepare Shipment
Please allow approximately 30 minutes to complete these steps
Log into your TMI account and click on the turquoise name for the source you are recording your sample information.
NOTE: If you used an Activation Code to create your account, you will need to enter the Kit ID (found on the registration card) in the open text box.
Click the blue “List Samples” button to show the available sample barcodes.
Select the barcode that matches your collection tube for the sample and click the blue “Claim Selected Samples” button.
Click on the turquoise button with the barcode matching the number on your collection tube.
Enter the approximate date and time your sample was collected. Select “stool” for the site sampled and input any notes you would like before clicking the “Update” button.
As part of the requirements for THDMI, you will need to complete the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Please ensure you give yourself at least 30 minutes to complete this survey. If you have not already completed it, you will be presented with a page where you may either select a button to take it now or a button to return to back to your samples.
If you have NOT taken the FFQ and return to the samples page the box should show your “Barcode,” “Collection Date,” and “Sample Type.” To the right of these items will be a blue box that reads “Food Frequency Questionnaire” under “Sample-specific survey.”
When you are ready to take this survey, click on the blue FFQ box to open and complete the survey. You must complete the survey by clicking the “close” button on the final page to record your answers.
Once you have completed the FFQ and return to the samples page the blue box will now be green and read “View Top Foods Report.” You may click on this to access this report for your records.
For instructions on how to translate this report, please visit https://microsetta.ucsd.edu/translate-ffq-report/
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How to check all sample information is completed:
- Barcode: From your sample collection tube in your kit.
- Collection date: Date & time you collected your sample. If empty, click on the barcode number and add collection information. If your sample has already been received by the lab, this option won’t be available, in which case please email microsetta@ucsd.edu with the date & time of the collection and confirmation of the sample type.
- Sample type: “Stool”
- Results: Empty (this is where you will find your results once your sample has been processed)
- Sample-specific survey: A button should be available that says “View Top Food Report”. If it still says “Food Frequency Questionnaire”, please click on the link and complete the FFQ.
- Surveys taken: Primary & COVID-19 Questionnaire should have a checkmark. If the checkmark is missing: click on the button to take it.
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Step 5 | Return Sample
Before shipping your kit, please make sure you have removed the outer sleeve, and the return shipping label can be seen as shown in the photo below.
- Check that the tube is tightly closed and does not leak.
- Place the collection tube into the safety bag provided and seal it.
- Place the safety bag into the cardboard shipping box you received and close it. If you have adhesives (such as tape), we recommend using it to seal the box tightly. The sample should be shipped back to the lab as quickly as possible, ideally within 48 hours of collection.
Once these steps are complete you may either schedule a FedEx pickup by calling 55-5228-9904 or 01-800-900-1100, or take your kit to your nearest FedEx Ship Center or drop box. Do not cover or modify the shipping label, or any other regulatory markings.
To find the closest FedEx Shipping Center, go to: https://www.fedex.com/locate
If your kit DOES NOT have a shipping label, please email: microsetta@ucsd.edu
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What to do if there is a shipping delay
We prefer samples to be shipped back within 48 hours, however, the kits have been designed to keep your sample viable for extended periods.
If you are experiencing any extended delays returning your kit, please contact us at microsetta@ucsd.edu.
