Triple Packaging of Formalin-Fixed Biological Specimens
Triple packaging of Formalin-fixed biological specimens has become the accepted standard for transportation within hospitals and to external locations.
Every day, biological specimens are transferred to hospital laboratories in pathology departments from clinical areas such as operating theatres, endoscopy departments and mortuaries.
These include everything from surgical excisions, tissue biopsies, cytology preparations and large anatomical resections.
In addition, gene-therapy products also require a triple packaging solution when being transferred between hospital pharmacies and cellular therapy administration teams.
Why is a triple packaging solution needed?
A triple packaging solution is needed because Formalin-fixed containers pose a risk on two levels. Firstly, there is a risk that specimens could still contain viable pathogens. Secondly, Formalin, which contains formaldehyde, is a hazardous chemical and recognised carcinogen, exposure to which can cause a number of unpleasant and potentially dangerous symptoms.
By adopting a multi-layered packaging approach, this 3-stage solution helps protect against chemical spills and biological risks, in line with transport safety guidance.
What is triple packaging?
Triple packaging is a three-layer containment system. It consists of:
1. A primary receptacle
Typically, a screw-cap specimen pot, histology container or pathology bucket, the primary receptacle must be chemically resistant to Formalin and leakproof.
It should also be a suitable size for the contents and be clearly labelled with patient identification.
2. Secondary packaging
This is designed to contain any spills should the primary receptacle fail. Made to enclose the whole of the primary receptacle, it may be a sealed specimen transport bag, rigid transport tray or cannister, or a biohazard zip-seal bag.
The absorbent material included in the secondary packaging is very important and should have the correct level of absorbency to capture the entire spill from a compromised primary receptacle.
By choosing an absorbent material that quickly turns a spill to gel, this allows for non-drip disposal in clinical waste, and easier decontamination of the secondary receptacle after a spill.
For more information on effective absorbent material click here.
3. Outer packaging
This final, robust level of external packaging helps to protect the specimen from being damaged through heavy handling and extreme temperatures.
In hospitals, it is typically a rigid transport box, lockable container or a specimen courier case.
It should again be securely closeable and resistant to chemical exposure, to mitigate the risk of spills breaching the secondary packaging.
Triple Packaging of Formalin-Fixed Biological Specimens
Central to the whole issue of triple packaging, is the need for staff to be made fully aware of the risks of handling and transporting biological specimens.
They should receive routine training to ensure that Formalin-fixed specimens are correctly packaged, labelled, and tracked throughout their journey.