Dispatching biopsy/pathology specimens

Ensure containment of specimens is triple layered, for example:

• Primary packaging: a leakproof sealed container (e.g. a plastic bag) wrapped in sufficient absorbent material to absorb the entire contents. 
  • Ensure the container is packaged securely so that the contents are not damaged or leak into the secondary packaging.
  • The primary packaging should be packed into the secondary packaging in such a way that the packaging is not damaged, or the contents do not leak into the secondary packaging.
• Secondary packaging: a leakproof sealed container (e.g. a plastic bag)
  • The secondary packaging should be placed into the outer packaging and secured with suitable cushioning material.
• Outer packaging: must be labelled 'BIOLOGICAL SUBSTANCE, CATEGORY B' and carry the UN3373 diamond shaped symbol.
• Either the secondary or outer packaging must be rigid.

Note: Vehicles which collect specimens from surgeries, clinics etc. are often fitted with boxes into which the collected item is placed. Such boxes may be considered to constitute the rigid outer packaging (third layer), therefore collected items must consist of a primary container and secondary packaging.

Ensure paperwork/documentation to accompany the specimen is placed between the secondary and outer packaging and includes:

• Date
• Sender (practice details) and receiver information)
• Emergency contact details (i.e. name and telephone number of the responsible person)
• Description of the contents