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PACKING INSTRUCTION 650
STATE VARIATIONS: DQG-03
OPERATOR VARIATIONS: AF-04, AO-03, AS-08, CO-07, CS-07, FX-09, LA-07, LH-12, QF-03
Diagnostic specimens must be packed in good quality packagings, which must be strong enough to withstand the shocks and loadings normally encountered during transport, including trans-shipment between transport units and warehouses as well as any removal from a pallet or overpack for subsequent manual or mechanical handling. Packagings must be constructed and closed so as to prevent any loss of contents when prepared for transport which might be caused under normal conditions or transport, by vibration, or by changes in temperature, humidity or pressure.
Primary receptacles must be packed in secondary packagings in such a way that, under normal conditions of transport, they cannot break, be punctured or leak their contents into the secondary packaging. Secondary packagings must be secured in outer packagings with suitable cushioning material. Any leakage of the contents must not substantially impair the protection properties of the cushioning material or of the outer packaging. Packages must be prepared as follows:
(a) For Liquids:
• The primary receptacle(s) must be leakproof and must not contain more than 500ml;
• There must be absorbent material placed between the primary receptacle and the secondary packaging; if several fragile primary receptacles are placed together in a single secondary packaging, they must be either individually wrapped or separated as to prevent contact between them. The absorbent material, such as cotton wool must be in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents of the primary receptacles and there must be a secondary packaging which must be leakproof.
• The primary receptacle or the secondary packaging must be capable of withstanding, without leakage, an internal pressure producing an internal pressure differential of not less than 95kPa in the range of –40°C to 55°C (-40°F to 130°F).
• The outer packaging must not contain more than 4L.
(b) For Solids:
• The primary receptacle(s) must be siftproof and must not contain more than 500g.
• If several fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they must be either individually wrapped or separated so as to prevent contact between them and there must be a secondary packaging which must be leakproof.
• The outer packaging must not contain more than 4kg.
An itemised list of contents must be enclosed between the secondary packaging.
Each completed package must be capable of successfully passing the drop test described in 6.6.1 except that the height of the drop must not be less than 1.2M.
Packages must have one side with dimensions of not less than 100mm x 100mm (4in x 4in) or packages must be in an overpack that has one side with dimensions of not less than 10mm x 100mm (4in x 4in).
Each package and the “Nature and Quantity of Goods” box of the air way bill must show the text “DIAGNOSTIC SPECIMENS”. Each package must also be marked in accordance with 7.1.5.8 to indicate that the shipper has determined that the packaging meets the applicable air transport requirements. The marking must be applied adjacent to the works “Diagnostic Specimen”.
A shippers Declaration for Dangerous Goods is not required.
Provided diagnostic specimens are packed in accordance with this Packing Instruction, no other requirements of these regulations apply except for the definition in 3.6.2.1.4 and the reporting of dangerous goods accidents and incidents in 9.6.1. However, where carbon dioxide, solid (dry ice) or liquid nitrogen is used to keep specimens cold, all applicable requirements of these Regulations must be met.
Specific Requirements
Although exceptional cases, (for example, the shipment of whole organs) may require special packaging, the great majority of diagnostic specimens can and must be packaged to the following guidelines.
Substances shipped at ambient temperatures or higher: Primary receptacles include those of glass, metal or plastic. Positive means of ensuring a leak-proof seal, such as heat seal, skirted stopper or metal crimp seal must be provided. If screw caps are used these must be reinforced with adhesive tape.
IATA