Specimen Shipping Instructions
Specific International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations may be found at www.iata.org under New Packing Instruction 650. Please be aware that shippers of diagnostic packages not following IATA Packing Instruction 650 are subject to sizable fines. The instructions below are general guidelines written by the Sample Management staff of Millipore. Please check the IATA regulations prior to shipment for any updated rules or changes.1. You may use any courier that you feel is appropriate. Most clients prefer to use FedEx (1-800-GO-FED-EX (1-800-463-3339)) or World Courier.
2. Pack all diagnostic specimens in plastic, polypropylene or polystyrene tubes (no glass please). We recommend using screw-top cryotubes as they are least likely to leak. (#1 in image below)
3. It is preferred that tubes be placed in a two (2) or three (3) inch sample box with a grid to keep the samples upright and in order of any manifest or numbering system you are to use.
4. Pack the box (or if no sample box is available, pack the sample tubes) within a secondary packaging such as an airtight plastic bag (example: Ziploc freezer bag) along with sufficient absorbent material to contain all volume within the tubes in case leakage occurs. The bag must be sealed as to contain any leakage that might occur, and must be able to withstand the cold temperatures of the dry ice without breaking. (#2 in image below)
5. Place the sample package into a cooler-box (#4 in image below), making sure the cooler fits snuggly into the cardboard box (#5 in image below). If the cooler does not fit perfectly, please secure it within the cardboard box with additional packing material to prevent breaking (Styrofoam coolers easily rupture) while in transit. Pack enough dry ice with your samples to ensure the ice will last at least three (3) days. This extra ice will help protect your samples if your packages are delayed for unforeseen reasons. We recommend at least 5-10 pounds of dry ice for every one (1) to two (2) standard-sized cryoboxes.
6. Do not seal the cooler box with packing tape. (#6 in image) Gas from the dry ice must be allowed to escape.
7. Place all order forms, manifests and confirmation paperwork in an airtight bag (such as a Ziploc bag) on top of the cooler – not within the cooler.
8. Seal the seam of the outer shipping box with heavy-duty packing tape. We recommend using a few strips of packing tape to ensure the box remains closed throughout transit. (#8 in image)
9. Label outside of cardboard box appropriately – with DRY ICE labels, Airbills, Shipper and Consignee labels.
10. Remember that even the best couriers cannot handle every box with perfect attention. Boxes get dropped, impacted and mistreated often. Pack your samples according to IATA regulations to ensure sample integrity.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Sample Management Department at Millipore: 866-441-8400 or 636-441-8400 / Receiving_STC@millipore.com.
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