• General Packaging and Transportation Instructions
• Anatomical Pathology – Packaging and Transport of Formalin Fixed Tissues
• Cytology – Packaging and Transport of Cytological Slides

General Packaging and Transportation Instructions

The transport of laboratory specimens is regulated by the Canadian Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR). Under these regulations a patient specimen must be classified as: 

• a Category A Infectious substance - Infectious substances, affecting humans, UN2814;
• a Category B Infectious substance - Biological Substances, Category B, UN3373; or
• an Exempt Human Specimen

Patient specimens for which there is no reason to believe/minimal likelihood that a pathogen is present may be classifies as EXEMPT HUMAN SPECIMENS.  However, those known or suspected to contain pathogens must be classified as either a Category A or Category B infectious substances.  See Shipping Patient Specimens for detailed advice on classifying and packaging patient specimens to comply with the TDGR.

A copy of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations may be found on the Transport Canada website.

As a minimum requirement, patient specimens must be packaged in a manner that prevents the release of any specimen that could endanger public safety.  This can be met by using a three-part packaging system. 

1. Leak-proof primary specimen containers.  Examples: blood collection tubes, urine cups.  Please ensure all lids are tightly secured.
2. Leak-proof secondary packaging with absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents.  Examples: Zip-lock specimen bags with an absorbent pad.
3. A rigid outer packaging to protect the specimen containers from damage if the package is dropped. At least on surface of the package must have minimum dimensions of 100mm X 100 mm.  Examples: cardboard boxes, plastic "tool boxes", specimen coolers

This type of packaging meets both TDGR and IATA requirements for Exempt Human Specimens.  Additional requirements exist for Category A and B infectious substances.  See Shipping Patient Specimens.

DynaLIFE_Dx will provide suitable packaging for shipping specimens to our laboratory.

If you have any questions or require further information, please contact our Safety Officer at (780) 451-3702 ext 8369 or 1-800-661-9876.

Notes:

• Not all airlines and couriers will transport Category A or B infectious substances.
• In order for the laboratory to meet its obligations under the TDG regulations, the ordering physician must inform the laboratory when it can be reasonable anticipated that the specimen will be a Category A or B infectious substance.  Write this information in the comment section of the requisition in the following manner:  "TDG Category A" or "TDG Category B".  Do not indicate the specific pathogen, only its classification.

Anatomical Pathology – Packaging and Transport of Formalin Fixed Tissues

PACKAGING OF 10% NEUTRAL BUFFERED FORMALIN FIXED SPECIMEN FOR SHIPMENT TO DynaLIFE_Dx

Ensure the specimen container is leak-proof and lids are closed and tightly secured.

Label as EXEMPT HUMAN SPECIMENS.  Label the box clearly with the name and address of destination, and the shipper’s name and address.  For transportation within the Edmonton Region, reversible tags are used to indicate appropriate destination.

No special documentation is required.  If a waybill is used, declare the shipment as EXEMPT HUMAN SPECIMENS.

Packaging Specimens:

1. The primary specimen container must be puncture-proof, leak-proof, and watertight.  Container lids should be secured with adhesive tape.
2. The specimen container is placed in a ziplock plastic biohazard bag with enough moisture absorbent packaging to absorb the entire contents, with the requisition placed in the outside pouch on the bag. Absorbent pads may be obtained through DynaLIFE_Dx Materials Management Department.
3. Alternately, if the specimen container is too large to fit inside a biohazard bag, a larger plastic bag may be used.  Absorbent material must be placed around the specimen container.  This must be a sufficient amount to absorb the entire contents.  The requisition should be placed in the outer pouch of a biohazard bag and taped to the larger bag.
4. Use a sturdy box (fibreboard, wood, plastic, metal, cardboard, or toolbox) and place all the specimens, top up,  into the box with enough packaging material so that they do not break while being moved around.  Seal the box.  If using a toolbox, ensure the lid is secured properly.

Note: Coolers for larger specimens will be kept at DynaLIFE_Dx Specimen Managment, and will be shipped upon request.  Please call (780) 451-3702 ext. 8120.

Cytology – Packaging and Transport of Cytological Slides

The prepared smear is placed in a crush proof transport container, and then into a ziplock biohazard bag.  The accompanying requisition is placed in the outside pouch of the biohazard bag.

Note: Do not package formalin fixed histology specimens with cytologic smears as fumes from the formalin cause severe cellular distortions and renders the smear unsuitable for evaluation.