PACKAGING AND SHIPPING BLOOD SAMPLES

Recent revisions in the regulations concerning packaging of biologic specimens have caused concern among persons sending samples for diagnostic testing.  Following are specific instructions on packaging samples to meet the new regulations.

IMPORTANT TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

1) PRIMARY CONTANER - Glass or plastic container that holds the blood

Best options:
Monovette blood collection device (Available from PAVL)
Plastic screw capped tubes or vials Glass screw capped tubes or vials
Acceptable option:
Glass test tubes with rubber stoppers

2) ABSORBENT MATERIAL - Absorbent material sufficient to contain liquid in primary container

Best option:
Wrap each primary container in paper towels sufficient to soak up liquid from that primary container.
Acceptable option:
Wrap each primary container in newspaper sufficient to soak up liquid from that primary container.

3) SECONDARY CONTAINER - Must be capable of sealing to make leak proof

Best Option: Heavy duty Zip-Lock bag

4) TERTIARY CONTAINER (not required by regulations, but strongly recommend by PAVL)

- Must be capable of sealing to make leak proof

Best Option: Heavy duty Zip-Lock bag

5) FREEZER PACK

Acceptable option: Non-Water, refreezeable, leak proof pack
Unacceptable:    Frozen water in any container.

6) SHIPPING BOX

Best Option: Styrofoam inner box with cardboard outer cover box
Acceptable Option: Heavy cardboard box, with extra padding around sample "bundle"

7) Label International Biohazard symbol required. (Printable pdf)

Adhesive return address labels are now shipped with all test results

Packing Instructions:

1) Collect samples in plastic or glass containers.

2) Wrap each sample vial in absorbent material. Do not tape.

3 ) Place all absorbent wrapped vials in heavy duty zip lock bag.

4) Place Freezer pack and first Zip Lock bag in second Zip Lock bag.

5) Place in shipping box with sufficient packing material (newspaper) to pad and prevent shifting/shaking during shipping.

6) Place PAVL order form in box (Available at www.pavlab.com)

7) Affix Biohazard label (Available at www.pavlab.com )

I recommend shipping Priority Mail (US Mail). Shipping time is 3-4 days from anywhere in the US and price is ~$5.00 for a 2 lb package. Samples shipped with Freezer Pack are safe for 10 days in most cases. PAVL 2003