Packaging

Packaging of Blood Specimens

Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories provides all necessary packaging components to the customer. The following list of components are found in the individual shipping containers:

• Two Cryopak^® pouches 
• One biohazard bag
• Two foam specimen trays  
• One sheet of absorbent material
• One 'List of Contents' checklist
• One insulated container
• Packaging instructions
• FedEx^® Billable Stamp

Step 1: Cryopak Pouches

1. Determine which type of Cryopak (solid or liquid state) you need.
    If the daily high outdoor temperature at your location is:
                o 78°F or higher - Use two solid Cryopaks
                o 77°F or lower - Use two liquid Cryopaks

2. Remove the Cryopak pouches from the refrigerator or incubator.

3. Allow the Cryopak pouches to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while preparing the blood specimens for shipment. This will ensure that the pouches are within the specimen storage requirements for transit.


Step 2: Blood Specimens

1. Insert specimen tube(s) in foam specimen tray. Each tray holds up to four specimen tubes.

2. Place up to two specimen trays (8 specimens) in the biohazard bag with absorbent material and seal.

3. Place completed test requisition form(s) in the biohazard bag paperwork pouch.


Step 3: Packaging

1. Place first Cryopak at the bottom of the insulated container.

2. Place biohazard bag containing the specimens on top of the Cryopak.

3. Place second Cryopak on top of the biohazard bag.

4. Close the top of the insulated container.

5. Complete the 'List of Contents" checklist and place on top of the insulated container.


For more information contact a member of our Client Services team at
1-877-59 TBLAB or email at Info@tbtestingservices.com.