Requirements for Packaging a biological Specimen

Peripheral Laboratories in the NTEP need to send biological samples (such as sputum) to nearby Culture and Drug Susceptibility Testing (CDST) laboratories for advanced testing (eg Drug Resistance Testing). The samples need to be safely packaged and transported such that there is no spillage or contamination.

The items required for safe packaging biological specimens are: 

1. Falcon tubes
2. Three-layer packing materials like thermocol box
3. Ice gel pack (pre-frozen at -20^oC for 48 hours)
4. Request for CDST forms
5. Polythene bags
6. Tissue paper roll for absorbent packing
7. Parafilm tapes
8. Brown tape for packing the thermocol box
9. Permanent marker pen
10. Labels with 'To' and 'From' address and blank labels for sample details 
11. Biohazard sticker
12. Scissors
13. Spirit swab 

Figure: Items needed for packaging of biological specimens for CDST laboratory; Source: Guidelines for Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB in India, 2021

Resources

• Training Module (1-4) for Program Managers and Medical Officer, NTEP, MoHFW, 2020.
• Guidelines for Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB in India, 2021.