How To Pack Medical Specimens
The most important part of keeping medical courier deliveries safe starts before the delivery vehicle hits the road. Packaging and shipping temperature-controlled specimen is a critical part of being able to get quality test results. Medical facilities across the Richmond, VA area depend on the safe same-day delivery of their specimens. We will go over a few aspects of this process. Like the following:
- The sample classification names and temperatures
- How labs specimens should be packaged
- What couriers should look for before they accept medical samples?
- What coolers and other supplies are needed to keep the right temp?
- How couriers should store specimens in their cars
MEDICAL COURIER TEMPERATURE CLASSIFICATIONS
Specimens are transported under the following temperature classification room temp, refrigerated, and frozen. Each class has a temperature range.
- Room temperature = (15 – 30°C)
- Refrigerated = (2 to 10°C)
- Frozen = (-20°C or colder).
MINIMUM MEDICAL DELIVERY PACKAGING GUIDELINES
The following are the minimum specimen packaging guidelines that should be followed when packaging specimens.
- Ensure that all specimen container caps and lids are properly tightened to prevent leakage.
- Make sure there is a requisition form in the bag, and that is for the correct lab.
- Collect the specimen(s) and transfer to a proper transport container, double check the specimen container to ensure that the device is not beyond its expiration date
- The transport bag has two pouches. Place the sample container(s) in the front pocket. Place the requisition into the other pocket with the bar code visible so the courier and lab techs can see it.
WHAT COURIERS SHOULD CHECK BEFORE ACCEPTING SPECIMENS
- There is no specimen leakage.
- All specimens are correctly marked and labeled.
- The specimen has the right requisition form
HAVING THE SEPARATE MEDICAL COURIER TRANSPORT COOLERS
Couriers should have the following coolers to transport specimens correctly. A transport cooler for transporting the sample from the office to the car. They will also need coolers for room temp, refrigerated, and frozen specimens. Having multiple coolers will ensure that specimens stay at the correct temperature. Couriers will also need gel packets for the refrigerated samples and dry ice or transport bottles for frozen specimens.
Specimens should be transported in vehicles in an upright position. During summer months coolers shouldn’t be kept in the trunk. Temperatures increase inside of cars. It is also vital to strap coolers in to prevent movement






