Biological Sample Transport Solutions to Ensure Your Compliance

Whether for medical diagnostics, clinical trials or research purposes, transporting patient and other biological samples safely from their source to the laboratory needs special consideration. Biological specimens fall under the Dangerous Goods Regulations since they may contain pathogens. Their transport is strictly controlled and it is a legal and mandatory requirement to comply with the regulations.

Samples such as blood, tissue, excreta, secreta etc. from humans or animals (which are not assigned to Category A, Infectious Substances), are considered to be Category B Biological Substances. These are assigned to UN3373 and must be packaged according to the Dangerous Goods IATA (air) or ADR (road) Packaging Instruction 650 for transport. Packaging must be strong and of good quality to withstand vibration or changes in temperature, humidity or pressure encountered during transport.

UN3373 compliance requires a leak-proof primary receptacle which is contained within secondary packaging that is also leak-proof. One of these must be capable of withstanding, without leakage, an internal pressure of 95 kPa (0.95 bar).

When transporting multiple primary receptacles within a single secondary packaging, they must be individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact between them. Absorbent material must be placed between the primary receptacle(s) and the secondary packaging in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents of the primary receptacle(s).

Alpha Laboratories provides a wide range of sample packaging materials that help make your regulatory compliance convenient, consistent and cost-effective. These include 95kPa pouches, absorbent sheets, rigid boxes of various sizes, labels and envelopes. The SpeciSafe® secondary containers are unique, pre-moulded mailing packs that combine an internally bonded super absorbent lining within a single piece shock-resistant container. They are available to fit most commonly used specimen vials. The MedDXTAINER medical sample carriers are a popular choice with medical couriers and hospital transport.

Find out more and order online at www.alphalabs.co.uk/un3373