Blood Sample Transport Requirements UK

Blood samples for laboratory testing are usually transported as UN3373, Biological Substance, Category B. That classification sets how they must be packaged and labelled so that a breakage cannot expose anyone to the contents.

The packaging has three layers, following packing instruction P650. The primary container is the sealed tube. The secondary container is leak-proof and holds enough absorbent material to soak up the contents of every tube if they break. The outer container is rigid and carries the UN3373 diamond mark and the words "Biological Substance, Category B". Purpose-made transport bags that combine the three layers are available for mobile phlebotomists.

Temperature affects sample quality. Vehicles get hot in summer and cold in winter, so an insulated bag helps. Where a test has specific temperature requirements, the receiving laboratory will say what they are.

Each tube is labelled at the point of collection, and the request details must match the labels. Each handover, from phlebotomist to courier or from courier to laboratory, should be recorded. Anyone carrying samples should carry a spill kit, know what to do if a tube breaks, and check with their insurer that their cover allows it.

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