Within the same building

Transport of Category B samples within the same building/facility

If you are transporting biological or low hazard clinical samples within the same building or facility, e.g. RVI to Medical School, you need the following packaging:

1. A Primary Container- Samples must be in a watertight sealed container. For example a sealed Vacutainer™ or a screw lid Universal tube™.
2. An Outer Container - This container must be rigid and adequate for the primary container. For example plastic or polystyrene box which could also contain wet or dry ice, as required. The lid must be secure in case of a trip or accident and wherever possible a medical transport bag should be used.
3. Labelling- The outer container should display a label with the following:

Biological/Clinical Sample: Do not open outside of the laboratory.

If found please contact (tel no.)

 

Please see the University Safety Office website for full details of the requirements.

Accompanied samples outside a building

Transport of Category B samples from local sites within Newcastle, when accompanied by a staff member.

If you are transporting samples between sites using transport outside the building or a public road
e.g. from the Freeman Hospital to the Medical School, you need the following packaging:

1. A Primary Container- Samples must be in a watertight sealed container. For example a sealed Vacutainer™ or a screw lid Universal tube™.
2. A Secondary Container- If the sample is liquid, transport requires a sealed leak-proof secondary container. This should be adequate for the primary container, such as a plastic bag. It must also have enough absorbent material for the contents, should there be a breach.
3. An Outer Container- This container must be rigid and adequate for both the primary and secondary container. For example a plastic or polystyrene box containing wet ice. In this instance you must not use dry ice. The lid must be secure in case of trip or accident and wherever possible use a medical transport bag (see right).
4. Labelling- The outer container should display a label 

Biological/Clinical Sample: Do not open outside of the laboratory.

If found please contact (Tel no.)

 

Please see the University Safety Office website for full details of the requirements.

Unaccompanied samples

Transport of Category B samples from local sites within Newcastle, NOT accompanied by a staff member.

Full UN3373 package requirements and associated paperwork are essential for samples transported:

• unaccompanied.
• via an external company, e.g. courier.

Please see the University Safety Office website for full details of the requirements.