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Transport of High-Risk Infectious Substances: Packaging for the Transport of Category A Infectious Specimens in Spain

Author

Listed:
  • Jorge H. Sánchez

    (BiotecnIA Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
    HISANTA S.L., 36208 Vigo, Spain)

  • Susana Gouveia

    (BiotecnIA Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
    HISANTA S.L., 36208 Vigo, Spain)

  • Claudio Cameselle

    (BiotecnIA Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain)

Abstract

Infectious specimens and materials with pathogens included in Category A of the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) must be transported following Packing Instruction P620. A triple packaging system must include leakproof receptacles and impact-resistant packaging to preserve the integrity of the samples and prevent the release of their content in any event during transport. ADR Packing Instruction P620 indicates that the primary receptacle or secondary packaging must withstand, without leakage, an internal pressure not less than 95 kPa at temperatures ranging from −40 °C to +55 °C. This study analyzes various packaging systems available in the Spanish market for the transportation of infectious samples to determine if they comply with the overpressure test, the most difficult to meet according to Packing Instruction P620. Five packaging systems were selected in this study. None of the secondary packaging tested showed adequate characteristics to withstand the pressure leakproof test. In this case, a primary receptacle (containing the sample directly) capable of withstanding an internal pressure of 95 kPa without leakage must be used (for example: test tubes with screw caps). However, manufacturer or distributor specifications are not always clear or readily available in this regard. Health, laboratory, and carrier personnel should be aware of the ADR regulation and packaging characteristics for safe and secure handling and transportation of high-risk Category A infectious materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Jorge H. Sánchez & Susana Gouveia & Claudio Cameselle, 2022. "Transport of High-Risk Infectious Substances: Packaging for the Transport of Category A Infectious Specimens in Spain," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-12, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:12989-:d:938487
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    Cited by:

    1. Fraser McLeod & Tom Cherrett & Andy Oakey & Katherine Theobald & Tim Waters & Matt Grote & John Armstrong & Jack Denny & Alex Murray, 2024. "Investigating the Crash Protection Performance of a Medical Carrier Bag for Drone Transport," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-22, March.

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