Transportation of Samples for Histopathology Processing and
Reporting
Wet Specimens
PLEASE NOTE: ANY HIGH RISK WET SPECIMENS MUST BE
DISCUSSED WITH SOURCE BIOSCIENCE PRIOR TO DISPATCH
It is important for an accurate result that specimens are
adequately fixed. For large resection specimens we would
prefer that the specimen is sliced open to aid fixation prior to
them being sent to us. Please contact us if you should have a query in
relation to this.
Correct packing of the specimens in the barrels is essential to
prevent spillages, it is essential that the specimens are
individually packed in sealed plastic bags and that absorbent
material is placed in the base of the barrel.
When submitting wet specimens, request forms/photocopies should
be packed in the barrels but in a separate plastic bag from the
specimens. Please also include a 'Cases Submitted to Source
BioScience Healthcare' form detailing all specimens comprising the
consignment - this can be found in the Introduction to Pathology
Services you will be issued by Source BioScience.
Under Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
regulations Formaldehyde is classed as a TOXIC SUBSTANCE and as
such must be treated with care.
We require that we are advised in advance of shipping of any
samples which are associated with any potential infection risk and
that this infection risk is clearly
identified on the request form.
We have a policy of retaining the wet specimens for a minimum of
six (6) weeks from receipt of specimen. After this time they will
be disposed of unless you request for them to be returned to
you. Returning samples to you will incur a small charge to
cover courier costs.
Specimens with recognisable foetal parts will be returned for
sensitive disposal.
Transportation of Diagnostic Specimens in Formalin
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable
Pressure Regulations came into force in May 2004. Under its
requirements, diagnostic and infectious samples are identified by
the United Nations substance identification number UN3373 as
diagnostic specimens and are subject to IATA Packing Instruction
P650.
"By law, the sender of a package is legally responsible
for the appropriate labelling and packaging of its
contents"
Please find information and suggestions that have been prepared
following our experiences of diagnostic specimen transportation. We
do hope that this will be informative and of use to you.
1. The couriers whose services we are able to
utilise for transportation of specimens are licensed to carry a
maximum of one litre of formalin per container (i.e. 1 litre of
formalin per barrel [we will supply transportation barrels]).
In the event of a client wishing to send a quantity of specimens
that leads to the amount of formalin exceeding 1 litre, the
specimens should be packaged into more than one barrel to
accommodate the licence requirements.
Some client Trusts have found it preferable to drain off
some formalin prior to transportation. Please
ensure that the specimen is completely fixed and
that should the specimen, for example, adhere to the side of the
specimen pot and not remain suspended in the formalin in the pot,
it will not dry out i.e. there is sufficient formalin in the
specimen pot to maintain a moist environment.
2. Statutory requirements dictate that
specimens in formalin should be packaged to meet the following
minimum transportation requirements:
a) The specimen should be in a primary container
with a secure screw-top lid
b) The specimen pot should be placed in an
airtight polythene bag relative to the size of the specimen
pot.
c) The 'bagged pot' should then be placed in a
second airtight polythene bag - we suggest that all of the
specimens in their individual polythene bags should be packaged
into one larger polythene bag.
Please note, unless you state otherwise, all pots will
be disposed of by Source BioScience.
3. Transportation barrels are supplied with the
following external labelling (which has been implemented following
consultation with our couriers and in observance of the current
transportation laws):
a) Conveyance
labels x 2 (providing details of the chemical contained in the
barrel and the UN grade of the transport medium)
b) Addressee
4. We will supply transportation barrels,
absorbent pads (which will absorb up to 2 litres of fluid in the
event of a leakage), bubble wrap and cable ties, which should be
used to secure the barrel lid during transportation.
5. Any excess space in the barrel should be
packed with "filler", for example, bubble wrap.
IT IS IMPORTANT YOU ARE AWARE THE SENDER IS RESPONSIBLE
FOR ENSURING THAT THE BARREL AND ITS CONTENTS ARE APPROPRIATELY
PACKED. THE SENDER WILL BE LIABLE SHOULD THERE BE ANY BREACH
OF HEALTH AND SAFETY LAW (i.e. any spillage).
Pre-prepared specimens
Correct packaging of all slides is essential to prevent
breakages and potential loss during transportation.
Each Source BioScience transport box can hold approximately 30
trays of slides, and each tray can hold a maximum of 9 slides.
Please try to place more than one slide per slide tray, to help
minimise the slides mobility in transit.
Please follow the below step by step guide to ensure that your
slides reach us securely.
Step 1. Load Slides into slide tray.
Step 2. Once all slides have been placed into slide trays,
please place an empty slide tray on top of the stack, face down, as
well as an empty slide tray underneath the stack.
Step 3. Place an elastic band over each end of the stack to
secure them in place.
Step 4. Securely wrap the stack of slide trays in bubble wrap,
ensuring that each end of the stack is also taped - similarly to
wrapping a gift.
Step 5. Insert the wrapped stack into the transport box. You
will notice that there is a drawstring within the box. Please
ensure that the stack is securely restrained between the drawstring
cords.
Step 6. Insert the request cards to accompany the slides into
the space provided and secure the transport box ready for
shipping.
Step 7. Contact the Source BioScience Courier Department to
arrange a courier collection via email (courier@sourcebioscience.com)
or via phone on 0115 973 9049.
Should you have any queries relating to any part of the
packaging or courier collection process, please do not hesitate to
contact us.