We use Nalgene bottles half filled with 20% saline. These are frozen at minus 18 and then at minus 70. The samples in a plastic bag are attached to the side of this bottle. The bottle is placed into a polyURETHANE box ensuring any spare space is filled with paper or sponge. Poly styrene boxes do not have enough insulation so are unsuitable. The whole is dispatched by Parcelforce Data Post to arrive next day by 12 noon. We have been using this method for many years and the only mishap we have had is a bottle has leaked (not the Nalgene ones but a very old less robust well used one). We can send 18 - 20 samples in one box using this system. I have a source of polyurethane boxes which will keep everything inside frozen for at least 48 hours (tested by me). The boxes are not cheap (around £25.00), but we re-use them dozens of times so a good record system is essential to keep tabs on them. The system does comply with the regulations for dispatch of diagnostic samples. If you wish more information regarding suppliers etc please let me know.
Angela Veitch
Principal Biochemist
Biochemistry Dept, Highland Acute Hospitals Trust,
Raigmore Hospital, Inverness IV2 3UJ
Tel. 01463 704210
email. [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: tony stott [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 04 March 2003 16:35
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Hazard warning - Transport of samples using dry ice
We have experienced two incidents involving plastic screw-cap containers
used to deliver frozen samples to this laboratory. In both cases dry ice
had been put directly into the container resulting in a massive pressure
build-up. In the first case the sides of the container were seen to be
bulging. This was dealt with by placing the container in a side room and
leaving it to explode, fortunately with no damage to staff or property. In
the second recent case, the container was of stronger construction and
appeared to be quite normal on receipt. The two MLAs concerned struggled to
remove the screw cap which came off with enormous force throwing one to the
floor and injuring the wrist of the other. Flying specimen tubes caused
minor cuts to other members of staff. It was fortunate that more serious
injuries did not result from this accident.
These incidents should serve as a warning to all departments to ensure that
staff who are involved in the transport of frozen samples are trained
appropriately. Our Trust Health and Safety Officer has been informed and we
are reviewing our procedures currently. The question arises as to how we
should deal with these containers in the future since it may not be
apparent from their outer appearance that there is a potential problem. The
new postal legislation concerning transport of pathological samples may
have solved one problem but appears to have caused another!
C'est la vie.
Tony Stott
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