PAML has long recognized that quality and timely laboratory results begin with the ability to rapidly and consistently move specimens to the laboratory. Courier service is available to PAML clients for transporting specimens from many locations throughout the PAML service area.

Our broad-based distribution network provides transportation support in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, Montana and Utah, including select service areas in California. This includes same-day delivery to testing facilities in certain geographic areas and most often overnight delivery under controlled conditions.

We use a combination of PAML vehicles and employees as well as contract couriers to facilitate specimen transportation needs in metro areas. We also have an extensive contract courier network to cover rural and remote areas across the country.

• Special courier services can be established if deemed necessary and appropriate arrangements are made.
• Pickup frequency is determined by referral volume, distance from testing sites and turnaround time requirements.
• PAML offers flexible times for specimen pickup from your office. If necessary, we can arrange multiple daily pickup times or after-hours pickups with specimen lock-boxes.

Route Management
PAML utilizes state-of-the-art information systems to schedule and track courier pickup and deliveries.

• We plan specific pickup requirements and use those parameters to create the most efficient routes possible. Our goal is to reduce miles and distance traveled as to impose a smaller economic impact on our roadways and fossil fuel dependence while doing our best to service the needs of the medical community.
• STAT pickups are also available for your more urgent testing needs in select geographic regions. We generally strive to pickup specimens with urgent testing needs and deliver to testing facilities within one hour. But, daily traffic volume and other extraneous factors do hamper those goals occasionally so it is not guaranteed.
• Please call PAML to schedule STAT specimens that are ready for pickup or when you have specimens available and your facility is not scheduled for regular stops.

Specimen Tracking
PAML has developed an industry-leading Laboratory Courier Specimen Tracking system called Joint Venture Advantage Mobile®.

• PAML couriers track bar-coded specimen information using real time wireless communications. Couriers track not only unique specimen information but also specimen type and temperature locations specimens are picked up from.
• PAML tracks the time couriers arrive and leave the office, what was picked up and dropped off and when specimens arrive at the laboratory.

Dispatch
PAML has developed a dynamic dispatch system specifically for Laboratory Courier Operations and is a subset of Joint Venture Advantage Mobile®.

• JVA Dispatch displays the most current location of couriers in the field and allows dispatchers to assign new stops such as STAT pickups to couriers in a simple drag and drop procedure.
• The new stop is wirelessly assigned to the courier. The stop is placed on the couriers Mobile Pocket PC with confirmation back to the dispatcher that the new stop was received and it’s most current status.

Preparing Specimens

• All specimens should be packaged prior to courier pickup according to DOT requirements.
• If specimens are transported via air they must also meet IATA guidelines.
• All specimens must be accompanied by a manifest or requisition detailing the amount, type, etc. as required by federal regulations.
• Most laboratory clients are provided with a manifest which lists package contents. Outreach clients should prepare all specimens in transport bags with an associated bar-coded requisition and or bar-coded manifest.

Scheduled Courier Pickups and Deliveries
At the onset of service with PAML, a client will be scheduled to a courier route.

• If the client is scheduled to a courier route, the courier will routinely pickup specimens and deliver supplies.
• A client may need to have a courier scheduled everyday or only on selected days.
• The client may also need to have more than one pickup or delivery per day if scheduling and testing volume permits.

Unscheduled Specimen Pickups
On-call pickups, STAT pickups, and pickups outside the regularly scheduled courier stop are considered unscheduled pickups.

• Clients should notify PAML at 1-800-541-7891 or 509-755-8600 (option 2) of an unscheduled pickup as soon as possible to avoid any delays that might result in a pickup not being made same day.
• PAML will strive to accommodate clients by scheduling pickup times as late in the day as possible and still allow time for the specimens to arrive at the laboratory for overnight testing and early-morning resulting to the client.

Shipping Containers
PAML provides our clients with many packaging configurations to custom assemble packages that fit customers' needs providing flexible and cost-effective packaging solutions.

• All packaging provided to clients have met our stringent evaluations and meet DOT and IATA configurations.
• A wide variety of inserts to cushion and protect the primary containers used in labs are available.
• Outer packages can be assembled for ambient, cold, or frozen shipments.
• Packages will accommodate infectious substances and exempt human specimens, (separate). 
• Please note that your test referral department is considered the 'shipper' when packaging clinical specimens sent to outside reference laboratories, and this department's staff must understand and follow the established regulations set forth by the above mentioned regulatory agencies.
• Specimens not properly packaged are likely to be delayed and/or returned to your office by the overnight or commercial air carrier. PAML will not be held responsible for any liability attributable to the shipper's improper actions for failure to comply with shipping regulations.
• Please refer to the DOT and IATA regulations for packaging and labeling instructions, as well as the PAML shipping guide.
• PAML has provided a packing and shipping guide to assist with this but in no way is intended to replace or supplement the DOT and or IATA regulations.
• Any person packaging shipments for transportation must be certified to do so from an accredited agency.