As a specialist in UN3373 sample transport packaging, experts at Alpha Laboratories’ can help and advise on solutions for the collection and transport of COVID-19 samples.
More than 150 drive-through and mobile testing sites have been set up around the UK to achieve the government target of capacity for 200,000 tests per day. To enable this more than 150 drive-through and mobile testing sites have been set up across the UK. The collection of quality samples and their safe delivery to the laboratories is essential to this testing strategy.
Public Health England (PHE) has issued COVID-19 guidance on the use of alternative swab types and transport media. Swabs with polystyrene shafts should be used, as swabs with wooden shafts may contain PCR inhibitors. Laboratories can use alternatives to Viral Transport Medium (VTM) subject to local validation. This includes transport swabs with liquid Amies medium such as Alpha Laboratories’ SW1050 swabs. Where necessary, transport swabs with no transport medium (such as the SW1010 or SW1040 dry swabs) can also be used.
Once the swab sample has been collected there are strict guidelines regarding how it should be packaged for transport to the laboratory. PHE has numerous resources with instructions on the packaging requirements for COVID-19 specimens and examples of the types of primary, secondary and tertiary materials that must be used to provide the triple-layer UN3373 compliant system.
Alpha Laboratories offers an extensive range of sample packaging components and complete sample transport kits, such as the popular RF95-LL1 including absorbent, 95kPa pouch, security seal and the rigid outer box with regulatory markings. Additional specimen bags can also be provided.
The company’s range of UN3373 Medical Sample Carriers are suitable for transporting large numbers of samples and a popular choice with medical couriers and for hospital transport.
Contact Alpha Laboratories’ for help and advice or access the company’s full UN3373 Compliance Resources HERE.
