BOX, triple packaging, biological substance UN3373+container
Valid Article
BOX, biological substance UN3373
Definition
Box with UN approved triple packaging system, used for the transport of CATEGORY B samples, i.e. biological substances for diagnostic.
Meets the IATA packaging instructions 650.
Specifications
Technical specifications
The system consists of 3 containers/ layers of packaging:
1. Primary container
- Tube or vial containing the sample
- Hermetic seal (if necessary, fix the cap with sealing film) and to be labelled with a permanent marker
2. Secondary container
- Pouch polyethylene, waterproof with adhesive closure, 20 x 30 cm (STSSUN62WB-) or plastic container 14.8 cm (h) X 13 cm (Ø) (STSSCONP130P)
- The plastic container (not the pouch) is the right packaging choice for settings where the temperatures outside are above 28°C
- Can contain several primary containers
- Resist to a differential pressure of 95KPa
- Provided with an absorbent sheet: can absorb all the fluid in case of leakage or breakage
3. Third /Outer container
- Strengthened cardboard box used to protect the secondary container
- Labelling UN 3373
- 26.5 x 10.5 x 11.5 cm
Instructions for use
Mandatory minimum packaging for any sample of biological substance (blood, CSF, sputum, biopsy…), examples:
- For diagnosis of tuberculosis: sputum in a dry tube (ELABTUCE5SPP).
- For diagnosis of meningitis: (CSF in Trans-Isolate transport medium, or if not available in Amies Agar Charcoal medium).
- For the diagnosis of Cholera (Stool in Cary blair medium)
The plastic container (not the pouch) is the suitable packaging option on settings with external temperatures above 28°C.
Transport of samples
Biological substances are shipped by DHL.
MSF requirements
Mandatory packaging for shipping biological substances (Category B (with out the need for cold chain)), with every means of transport.