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Sample Collection & Transportation Guidance
As the  Regional Genetics Laboratories offer their services to and receive samples from a variety of centres throughout the Cheshire & Merseyside region and beyond, they cannot be responsible for the clinical procedure for sample collection or the transportation procedures of all users. However, the following guidance is offered in the interest of ensuring that appropriate samples are taken, safely transported and arrive at the laboratory in good condition, thus optimising the likelihood of a successful test result.

Consent
 Consent to carry out the required tests must be obtained. The responsibility for obtaining informed consent lies with the referring clinician. The laboratories operate a policy of implied consent, in that, the provision of a sample requires patient co-operation.  In addition the laboratory  stores unused DNA/ cell suspensions  for quality assurances purposes. Consent for this storage must also be obtained at the time of sample collection. If consent for storage has not been obtained please indicate this on the referral card.

Appropriate samples
 For information on acceptable sample types for both Cytogenetic and Molecular investigations please use the links below to access the relevant advice. Alternatively contact the appropriate laboratory: Cytogenetics, Molecular Genetics

Sample Collection
Blood samples collected into vessels with the appropriate anti-coagulant should be mixed by gently inverting twice prior to packaging. All samples containers should be appropriately labelled (Patient's full name, DOB, Hospital / NHS number) and packaged in accordance with the following guidance together with a fully completed Cytogenetics Request Form / Molecular Genetics Request Form or covering letter detailing what tests are required  and providing contact details for the person to  whom the results are to be reported.
Ideally, samples should be sent directly to the laboratories to arrive before 5.00p.m.on the day of collection, if this is impracticable  samples may be stored overnight at +4˚C.

NOTE:
Samples for genetics testing must not be frozen.

The Molecular Genetics Laboratory cannot guarantee  that successful results will be obtained from samples collected into Lithium Heparin.


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Packaging Requirements for Sample Transportation

Derived from HSE Publication: 'Biological agents: Managing the risks in laboratories and healthcare premises (05/05)' pp50-60. ' For listing of Category A pathogens, requirements for refrigerated and cryogenic samples and more detail consult the source document available at https://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/biologagents.pdf

Safety Note:
Whatever the nature of the biological agent and its classification, consignors (i.e. senders) are responsible for ensuring that packages are prepared in such a manner that they arrive at their destination in good condition and present no hazard to persons or animals during transportation.


 Decision Tree

Figure 1. Packaging Instruction Decision Tree

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Summary of Packing Instruction 650 (PI650) applied to UN3373.

  • Requirements

  • The packaging shall be of good quality, strong enough to withstand the shocks and loadings normally encountered during carriage transfer between vehicles or containers or mechanical handling.

  • The packaging shall be constructed and closed to prevent any loss of contents that might be caused under normal conditions of carriage by vibration or by change in temperature, humidity or pressure.

  • Components

  • Primary Leak-proof Receptacle (sift proof for solids) i.e. sample tube or culture vessel

    • Multiple primary receptacles within a single secondary package must be individually wrapped to prevent contact between them.

    • Primary receptacles or secondary packaging shall be capable of withstanding, without leakage, an internal pressure of 95kPa (0.95 bar).

  • Absorbent Material (e.g. tissue paper or cotton wool)

    • sufficient to absorb the entire contents of the primary receptacle(s) without compromising the integrity of cushioning material or outer packaging.

  • Secondary Packaging

    • The nature of secondary packaging is not specified however, to meet the requirements, it should be leak proof to protect the outer packaging should a primary vessel be caused to leak.

  • Cushioning Material

    • Unspecified cushioning material to secure the secondary packaging within the outer packaging.

  • Outer Packaging

    • The nature of the outer packaging is not specified, however the smallest external dimension of the outer packaging shall not be less than 100mm. For transport the outer packaging should be marked externally with the symbol shown in Fig. 2 below. This symbol must have a contrasting background colour, be clearly visible and legible. The width of the line shall at least 2mm and the numbers & letters at least 6mm in height.

Figure 2. Hazard Label

  • Completed Package - Drop Test Requirement

  • The completed package shall be capable of successfully passing a drop test of not less than 1.2m.

  • Safety Note

  • If any substance has leaked or has been split in a vehicle or container, it may not be re-used until after it has been thoroughly cleaned, and, if necessary disinfected or decontaminated.
    NB. Any other goods or articles carried in the same container or vehicle shall be examined for possible contamination and treated accordingly.

Derived from HSE Publication: 'Biological agents: Managing the risks in laboratories and healthcare premises (05/05)' pp50-60. ' For more detail consult the source document available at https://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/biologagents.pdf.

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Summary of Packing Instruction 620 (PI620) applied to UN2814 & UN2900

The requirements for PI650 should be satisfied with the following extensions and amendments.

  • Primary Packaging

  • Inner packagings containing infectious substances shall not be consolidated with inner packagings containing unrelated types of goods.

  • Receptacles consigned at ambient temperature shall be of glass, metal or plastic. Positive means of ensuring a leak-proof seal shall be used, in the case of screw-topped vessels they shall be secured by positive means e.g. tape, paraffin sealing tape or manufactured locking closure.

  • In addition to the pressure tolerance requirements of PI650 primary receptacles should withstand, without leakage temperatures in the range -40° C to +55° C.

  • Secondary Packaging

  • A leak-proof packaging is specified.

  • List of Contents

  • An itemised list of contents shall be enclosed between the secondary packaging and the outer packaging. This document should be marked "Infectious Substance, affecting humans…" (and / or animals as appropriate) and show the appropriate UN2814 or UN2900 number.

  • If the infective agent is known its name should be included on this document. If the infectious substance to be transported is unknown, but suspected of meeting the criteria for inclusion in Category A and assignment to UN 2814 or UN2900 the words "suspected Category A infectious substance" shall be shown in parentheses on this document.

  • Outer Packaging

  • A rigid outer packaging of adequate strength for its capacity, mass and intended use is specified. Its smallest dimension shall not be less than 100mm.

  • Re-use of Packaging

  • Before an empty packaging is returned to the consignor, or sent elsewhere, it shall be thoroughly disinfected or sterilised and any label or marking indicating that it had contained an infectious substance shall be removed or obliterated.

  • Hazard Labelling

  • The outer packaging and any subsequent over packaging should be marked "Infectious Substance, affecting humans…" (and / or animals as appropriate) and show the appropriate UN2814 or UN2900 number.

  • The outer packaging and any subsequent over packaging should be marked with the danger sign for infectious substances (See Fig 3).

 

Figure 3. Danger Sign for Infectious Substances

Derived from HSE Publication: 'Biological agents: Managing the risks in laboratories and healthcare premises (05/05)' pp50-60. ' For more details and information about refrigerated and cryogenic carriage consult the source document available at https://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/biologagents.pdf

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Document created January 2006 (Alan Clark)
Authorised January 2006  (Angela Douglas).
Last Review Date January 2006.

Page Created 19/01/2024 (Alan Clark)
Authorised 20/01/2024 (Angela Douglas)

Revised 11.04.06 (Alan Clark)
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