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Collection of Samples
IATA Regulations
Recommended Packaging Items
Packaging FMD Bio Materials
Labels
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Epithelium, Vesicular Fluid and Blood
Starting with the innermost container, the recommended procedure for packing samples is as described below. Alternative methods of packing are acceptable if they provide a similar level of security against breakage and/or leakage (Packaging FMD Bio Materials, Recommended Packaging Items).
1. A strong glass container should be used with a metal screw cap fitted with a strong rubber washer or wad. Tape should be used around the cap in order to prevent leakage of fluid.
2. Sufficient information for the identification of the material should be written on a piece of waterproof adhesive tape attached to the bottle. The outside of the bottle should then be disinfected before proceeding further.
3. The bottle should be wrapped in absorbent cotton wool or lint or in corrugated paper, arranged to protect the ends as well as the sides of the bottle. The wrapping of the bottle in the various containers should be completed in clean surroundings.
4. The wrapped bottle should be inserted in a metal container in which it fits snugly. If collection takes place at a point which is some distance from the point of dispatch by air, the sample should be kept refrigerated. This container should also be labelled.
5. The metal container should be fluid-tight, preferably with a screw cap and a rubber washer. If such a container is not available, a tin with a tight-fitting lid which can be soldered on should be used.
6. The metal container should be placed in a solid outer covering to prevent distortion. A solid cardboard tube closed with a metal cap at each end is preferred but a wooden box with a metal cap is satisfactory.
7. Sturdy wrapping paper secured by adhesive tape or string should be used and labels should be clear and comply with the International Air Transport Regulations (IATA Regulations).
8. Information that should be included on the label:
PATHOLOGICAL MATERIAL OF NO COMMERCIAL VALUE
World Reference Laboratory for Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Institute for Animal Health, Pirbright Laboratory, Ash Road, Pirbright, Woking, Surrey GU24 ONF, UNITED KINGDOM.
PERISHABLE FRAGILE TO BE COLLECTED AT AIRPORT BY ADDRESSEE
KEEP AT 4° CENTIGRADE
Probang Fluid (Oesophagopharyngeal Fluid)
It is important to avoid thawing and refreezing at any stage, so packing should be done quickly and complete packages should be kept at -70°C or lower.
1. The outside of the bottle containing the sample should be disinfected by immersion in 4% Na2C03 or 0.2% citric acid, dried, labelled and then frozen immediately in solid CO2 within an insulated box or in a -70°C refrigerator.
2. For shipment the bottles should be placed in a metal container within an insulated box of approximately 1 ft3 (0.3 m3), which is filled with dry ice. The container should be placed in the middle of the dry ice, which must be sufficient to last the journey. The insulated box should be wrapped and sealed and properly labelled. It should permit some escape of gas, otherwise there is a risk of explosion.
3. If insufficient dry ice has been used, and it has been exhausted by the time the samples are unpacked at the WRL, further samples will be requested.
Serum
If sterile, samples can be submitted without refrigeration, but refrigeration or freezing is an added safeguard against spoilage. Serum should be packaged as described for epithelium.
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