Not strictly but Biochemistry important for everybody. Are labs aware that
from 1.1.1999 the Post Office will require all inland posting of Path
samples to be packaged under air mail regs (UN602). This is because most
inland mail goes by air anyway.
Rigid plastic containers must be used which only hold 4 serum samples which
must then be placed inside another box with transport information with a
named individual taking legal responsibility for the package.
These boxes cost œ3.50 each. I don't know if ther're reusable but the outer
boxes are not.
Samples being carried via hopsitals own Transport have until 2002 to
comply. Samples moved by taxi or other public service must comply by the
Jan deadline although a 3 month lead time has been granted by the Post
Office (ie until 1.4.99)
More information is soon to be released in professional journals and an
advance letter. The PHLS have negotiated this COMPROMISE as an alternative
to a ban which is what the P.Office wanted.
I hear that Hayes Dx couriers are setting themselves up to cope with this on
behalf of the NHS but I've no further details on that.
Does anybody else have more facts about this. The impact on send-away
budgets will be massive.
Michael Rayment
Pathology Operations Manager
Bromley hsopitals NHS Trust
Farnborough Hospital
Orpington
Kent Br6 8ND
Direct line 01689 814177
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