Specimen Transport Outside the Hospital
- All specimens must be in either the bag attached to a request form or an individual plastic transport bags with the request form placed in the side pocket of the bag.
- The specimens should be transported from GP collection points sealed within a large plastic bag, labelled “Diagnostic Specimens” with absorbent material within the bag.
- Multiple specimens must be transported in special secure transport boxes which are leak proof and which have fastenable lids.
- Each specimen transport box must bear a UN3373 label and a “Biological Substance Category B” label. It should also bear a warning label saying that the box must not be opened or tampered with and giving a telephone number to be contacted if the box is found unattended.
- Couriers, e.g. van and taxi drivers, must deliver the box unopened to Pathology Reception.
- Occasional specimens may be delivered by a patient or other party provided that the specimen is properly packed in a plastic bag and appropriate delivery instructions are given. Outer container should be a resilient, secure transport box.
