Transport of Specimens to the Laboratory

Procedures to observe during transport of samples where there is suspicion of a deliberate release of a biological agent

Strict procedures apply for the transport of samples to the laboratory. Biological agents or materials that contain or may contain them are allocated to UN Division 6.2 - Infectious Substances. Infectious Substances are divided into Category A or Category B.

Full details are given in "Appendix 1.2 Transport of infectious substances" in Biological agents: Managing the risks in laboratories and healthcare premises . Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP), Health and Safety Executive (HSE) May 2005

and

in the Department of Health's guidance .

Transportation of samples

For the purposes of transport , all cultures of deliberate release organisms and some clinical samples, including those taken from smallpox or VHF patients, fall into Category A - Infectious Substances Capable of Causing Disease in Humans or Animals - for a full list see ACDPs Appendix 1.2, Table A2

Category A infectious substances are assigned to UN 2814 and must be packaged in accordance with UN Packaging Instructions PI620(road/ rail) or PI602 (air). P620 and P602 are identical specifications but given different codes in ADR and ICAO regulations respectively (for a full description of PI see unece). Category A transfers should be individually requested through an approved courier. The service will be a next day tracked door-to-door delivery, which must be signed for at collection and receipt.

These are the current arrangements: HPA courier arrangements (PDF, 98 KB)
(for transport of samples)

Most clincial samples, such as serum, are generally classified as Category B and assigned to UN3373 (Biological Substance, Category B) and should be packaged in accordance with PI650. Clinical samples assigned to UN3373 may be posted.

Packaging must meet with UN performance requirements i.e. UN-type approved packaging for Division 6.2 substances. The packaging should consist of an inner package (watertight receptacle, watertight secondary packaging, an absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents placed between the receptacle and the secondary packaging) and a rigid outer package of adequate strength for capacity, mass and intended use. Packages should be marked with the proper shipping name i.e. "Infectious substance affecting humans", the appropriate UN number (e.g. UN 2814) and the appropriate warning label (i.e. the danger sign for infectious substances).

The following procedures ahould be adopted for the transport of all specimens and also all cultures for confirmation. These apply within hospitals and laboratories as well as for specimens sent to the reference laboratory:

• The primary container (bijoux or similar) should be screwed tight, labelled and placed in an intact plastic bag.
• A "High Risk" label should be affixed to both specimen and request form. The latter should include any other relevant information and include adequate clinical details to indicate level of suspicion.
• Under no circumstances should the request form be placed in the same bag or compartment as the specimen.
• The bag should be sealed, using tape or heat sealer. Pins, staples and metal clips should not be used. A separate bag should be used for each specimen.
• Each specimen must be placed in a leak-proof secondary container with sufficient absorbent material to absorb all the contents should leakage occur.
• Each specimen must be packaged individually- i.e. three specimens, three separate packages.
• The secondary container should be externally disinfected - e.g. by wiping with hypochlorite (1,000ppm).

Transport of samples to the Reference Laboratory

• Secondary containers should be placed within a final outer tertiary packaging.
• This packaging must comply with the UN-type approved packaging for the transport of infectious substances by air, road or rail.
• The package should be certified to this standard and carry appropriate UN certification numbers on the tertiary packaging along with the following information:

1. BIOHAZARD -danger of infection symbol Class UN 6.2
2. Instructions not to open if found
3. Telephone number of responsible person e.g. Consultant Microbiologist, Laboratory Manager.

• The container should be transported either by an approved courier for cultures or infectious substances (UN2814) or by post for clinical samples (UN3373) without delay, directly to the reference laboratory,

Transport of samples within hospitals and laboratories

Samples should be transported according to local arrangements for High Risk specimens. Precautions should include:

• Secondary containers should be placed in a good quality box, which is well taped up and clearly labelled "Pathological Specimen - Open only in Laboratory".
• Specimens should be transported by hand by a responsible person using the above packaging. Vacuum-tube systems must not be used for transportation of specimens within hospitals or laboratories.
• Extra care should be taken to ensure that laboratory records are kept to a high standard.

Last reviewed: 30 September 2009