Posting and Packaging of Laboratory Samples

Sample classification - Samples are categorised into groups A or B depending on ..

The pathogen they constrain or potentially contain

Category A contains ..

An infectious substance which is transported in a form that, if exposure occurs, is capable of causing permanent disability or is life-threatening or in an otherwise healthy human or animal

Examples of Category A samples are ..

• Foot and mouth

• Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)

• Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax)​

What are Category B samples? 

Any specimen that doesn’t fall into category A 

Postal Regulation are in place to ..

• To protect post office staff 

• To protect laboratory staff 

• To ensure the safe delivery of intact samples 

Its the sender responsibility to ensure .. 

Packing conforms to legal requirements 

Injury or contamination of a postal service, courier or laboratory worker caused by an inadequately packaged sample may result in .. 

Prosecution of the sender 

Inadequately packaged samples pose ..

A severe health and safety risk due to leakage and package contamination 

Sample Packing Considerations ..

1 - Is the primary receptacle suitable?

2 - Has it been preserved and stored correctly prior to dispatch/collection? 

3 - Have all samples been labelled clearly and effectively  

4 - Has an accurate and comprehensive request form been included? 

5 - Has the sample been suitably packaged according to the legal requirements? 

A laboratory request form must be completed for ALL samples. ​This information should include:

• Practice name and address​

• Name of submitting veterinary surgeon​

• Patient name, address and reference number​

• Patient details​

• Date sample taken​

• Description of sample ​

• Brief clinical history​

• Medications already administered​

• Provisional diagnosis​

• Tests required​

• Histology samples should include diagrammatic detail of sample sites

Not a legal requirement .. but useful! What should be recorded in Internal Practice Laboratory Records​ either on a computer or in a physical lab notebook?

• Owners and Animals name​

• Why ? Tests requested​

• Where? Which laboratory​

• When? Date / time posted​

• What ? Types of samples sent​

• Who? Initials of staff member​

• Quantity of samples​

• Record receipt of results

IATA Packing Instructions 650​ - All biological samples, which are sent in the post, are governed by European postal legislation. The following establishments or personnel are permitted to post biological samples: 

• Recognised laboratories and institutions​

• Qualified medical or laboratory practitioners​

• Registered dentists​

• Osteopaths​

• Nurses 

IATA Packing Instructions 650​ - A biological sample packed for transport must have:​

Primary receptacle containing specimen ​

• A leak-proof container holding no more than 1L fluid or 1 Kg of specimen including fixative or transport media. (unless body part or whole body dispatched)​

Absorbent layer ​

• Sufficient to absorb entire quality of primary receptacle​

Secondary container / receptacle​

• Leak-proof package with maximum content of 4kg / 4L​

Itemised list on contents (request form)​

• Between outer and secondary package​

Rigid outer packaging with suitable cushioning material​

• At least one side 100mm x 100mm

IATA Packing Instructions 650​ - Outer package MUST display ..

• UN 3373 diamond logo ​

• Biological material category B​

• Name and address of sender and receiver