If you are teaching a dissection lesson over several classroom or lab sessions, be sure to properly store specimens between sessions. Failure to do so can result in spoilage, bad odors, and missed opportunities for learning. We offer the following packaging options for quick, easy, and proper storage.

• Pail-packed specimens are ideal for long-term storage because they are kept immersed in preservation fluid. These specimens are available in 1- to 5-gal pails sealed with leakproof, reusable lids. For long-term storage, return the specimens to the pail after use. Make sure the pail contains enough preservation fluid to cover the specimens, and seal it with the reusable lid.
• Vacuum-packed specimens are designed for short-term storage. They are packaged in vacuum-sealed, double-layered, plastic barrier bags with either one or many (bulk bag) specimens per bag. The bags are easy to open for quick specimen distribution. For short-term storage, return specimens to the original shipping bag, and then place the bag in another resealable bag. Note: Vacuum-packed specimens are lighter and more economical to ship than pail-packed specimens—something to consider if you’re trimming your budget.

Do I need to refrigerate my specimens for long-term storage?
No, specimens should be kept at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, and in their original packaging. If the original packaging has been opened or discarded, repackage the specimens in a sealable bag or pail.

If I don’t open the packaging, how long will my specimens remain in good condition?
Many specimens can remain in good condition for years if kept under the right conditions. However, vacuum packing is intended only to lower shipping costs and is not meant as a long-term storage option. We cannot guarantee that vacuum-packed specimens will remain in good condition for years to come, but they should last as long as you need to store them during the school year if left in their original packaging. If you plan to store your specimens for more than 1 year, or if you plan to use the specimens over an extended number of days after opening, we recommend that you purchase pail-packed specimens. These specimens are immersed in preservation fluid, which helps them remain in good condition for longer periods of time.

If I order specimens now, can I store them for several months before using them in a dissection lab?
Yes. Most specimens will hold for a school year, or longer. If the specimens are packed in single or bulk bags, the fluid will start to drain from the specimens and pool in a corner of the bags over time. This is normal and will not harm the specimens. For long-term storage, we recommend purchasing pail-packed specimens.

Should I add more water to the pail if the liquid has evaporated?
No. Adding water will dilute the fixative and cause mold to grow on the specimens. If you need more fluid for your specimen pails, please contact a Carolina customer service representative at 800.334.5551.

Regardless of how your specimens have been preserved and packaged, Carolina’s Wetting Solution complements any of our extensive selection of Carolina’s Perfect Solution® and Carosafe® specimens. Apply this wetting agent with mold inhibitor to any specimen after the dissection has begun to maintain moisture, reduce dehydration, and keep tissue pliable and easy to work with—especially when you are dissecting specimens over an extended period of time.

Carolina’s Wetting Solution

Pail Opener

Self-Locking Plastic Bags, 9 × 12″

Polyethylene Collecting Bucket, 5 gal

Visit www.carolina.com/preserved to shop for dissection specimens in all packaging types.

Carolina's Wetting Solution

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Pail Opener

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Self-Locking Plastic Bags, 9 × 12″

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Polyethylene Collecting Bucket, 5 gal