Abstract

TERRAGNO, Raquel. Transportation of diagnostic specimens. Acta bioquím. clín. latinoam. [online]. 2005, vol.39, n.2, pp.217-223. ISSN 0325-2957.

When diagnostic specimens, including infectious substances, from human beings are shipped to a distant laboratory, compliance with safety regulations is required. In addition, the integrity of the sample has to be preserved to ensure acute analysis by the receiver laboratory. It must be pointed out that these samples must be packaged and shipped in such a way that the contents will not leak and will arrive in good conditions. Infectious substances are classified as dangerous goods under internationally recognised legislation based on the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Besides, each country has their proper regulations. In consequence, the shipping of these specimens is subject to specific requirements governing the packaging, documentation, labelling and handling. The importance of developing a working relationship between the sender, the carrier and the receiver must be stressed in order to provide for the safe and expeditious transport of the materials.

Keywords : diagnostic specimens; ground transportation; air transportation; containers; documentation; labeling.

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