Packing and posting specimens Flashcards
Define a biological specimen
Any material or substance, submitted for medical analysis, that contains living organisms e.g. Blood, serum, semen, vaccines etc
Define a pathological specimen
A biological specimen submitted for medical analysis that is diseased.
What is classed as a diagnostic specimen?
Excreta
Secreta
Blood and its components,
Tissue and tissue fluid
Swabs
Body parts being transported for purposes such as research, diagnosis, investigational activities, disease treatment or prevention.
Describe sample classification
Categorised into groups A or B depending on pathogen they contain or potentially contain.
Strict guidelines govern the handling, packaging and training of category A samples.
Describe category A
An infectious substance which is transported in a form that, if exposure occurs, is capable of causing permanent disability, life-threatening, fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans or animals.
Describe postal regulations
Inadequately packaged samples pose a severe health and safety risk due to leakage and package contamination.
There is a legal requirement for adequate training to be provided to ensure packaged biological samples comply with legal guidelines.
Why are postal regulations put into place?
To protect post office staff
To protect laboratory staff
To ensure the safe delivery of intact samples
It is the senders responsibility to ensure packing conforms to legal requirements
Describe labelling and dispatch of lab samples
Correct preservation and storage
Clear labelling on sample and packaging
Accurately and comprehensively completed request forms
Correct and suitable packaging (following legal requirements)
What information should be included when labelling a sample?
Patient name or identification number
Date sample taken
Submitting veterinary surgeons initials
What should be included on a laboratory request form?
Practice name and address
Name of submitting veterinary surgeon
Patient name, address and reference number
Patient details
Date sample taken
Description of sample
Brief clinical history
Medications already administered
Provisional diagnosis
Tests required
Histology samples should include diagrammatic detail of sample sites
What should be included in practice records?
Either computerised or in a Lab book
Owners and Animals name
Why ? Tests requested
Where? Which laboratory
When? Date / time posted
What ? Types of samples sent
Who? Initials of staff member
Quantity of samples
Record receipt of results
Who is permitted to post pathological samples?
Recognised laboratories and institutions
Qualified medical or laboratory practitioners
Registered dentists
Osteopaths
Nurses
What is transport of biological specimens governed by?
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (2011)
European Agreement for Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) regulations.
The Air Industry Regulations (IATA) are generally used for transport by air, this also applies to postal services
What are the IATA packaging regulations?
A biological sample packed for transport must have:
Primary receptacle containing specimen
A leak-proof container holding no more than 1L fluid or 1 Kg of specimen including fixative or transport media. (unless body part or whole body dispatched)
Absorbent layer
Sufficient to absorb entire quality of primary receptacle
Secondary container / receptacle
Leak-proof package with maximum content of 4kg / 4L
Itemised list on contents (request form)
Between outer and secondary package
Ridged outer packaging with suitable cushioning material
At least one side 100mm x 100mm
What must the packaging be able to withstand under IATA regulations?
Be capable of withstanding a 1.2m drop test, without leakage occurring
Be able to withstand internal pressure of 95kPA, without leakage occurring
Be capable of withstanding a temperature range of -45-55°C
