Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you have questions about achieving compliance, queries around temperature profiles, or if you want to find out more about Intelsius, the below frequently asked questions should have the answers you’re looking for.

We hope this frequently asked questions page helps you find what you’re looking for, but we understand nothing beats a conversation and would be delighted to discuss your sample transport and temperature-controlled packaging requirements. To speak to us, please contact your local office.

About us

What do Intelsius do?

Intelsius manufacture and distribute high quality sample transport and temperature-controlled packaging solutions.

We also offer a variety of services to ensure your sample, specimen, or payload arrives safely at its destination.

When were Intelsius founded?

Intelsius was incorporated in 1998 under the name DGP group, in 2010 the company was rebranded under the new name Intelsius. Over the last two decades our priority has always been to develop packaging solutions that protect life’s most precious cargo.

Why were Intelsius founded?

Intelsius was founded in 1998 after developing a unique packaging solution designed for the transportation of samples suspected of containing the BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalitis, or “Mad Cow Disease”) prion. Within a year, DGP Group became the first UN-certified BSE sample shipper in the world.

Following this success, we have expanded to offer innovative sample transport and temperature-controlled packaging solutions around the world.

Why are you called Intelsius?

The brand name Intelsius was created as part of a 1998 rebrand and is a portmanteau of the words intelligent and Celsius.

What market sectors do you supply?

We have supplied a wide range of market sectors, supplying packaging and services for local governments, large pharmaceutical providers, diagnostic labs, and vets to name a few. To learn more about the markets we serve and how we service each, check out our solutions web page.

Where in the world are Intelsius products available?

We pride ourselves on being able to offer solutions where they are needed most and have several manufacturing sites, distributors, and offices around the globe. Find you nearest distributor or local office on the contact us web page.

Are your solutions available online?

Yes, we currently accept e-commerce orders in a variety of regions.

The stores can be found below, if you don’t see your location, don’t worry orders can be made by contacting your local office.

UK and Europe – https://intelsius.com/buy-online/

DACH region (German language store)  – https://intelsius.de/online-bestellen/

United States – http://www.intelsiussolutions.com/

Can products be customised or amended for my requirements?

Our solutions have been responsible for the safe transportation of a diverse range of payloads hence we have a wide variety of off-the-shelf solutions to choose from. However, we understand some payloads can have very specific shipping requirements, so we offer a customer design service to design and create your perfect solution, or incorporate custom branding for large order quantities.

Achieving compliance

How do I ensure I’m following all the relevant guidelines and laws when sending samples?

Understanding all the compliance regulations when sending infectious or dangerous substances can be difficult, fortunately, our packaging solutions help simplify this process. Learn more about how to achieve compliance when using our solutions in this simple guide. If you are still unsure, please reach out to us at complaicne@intelsius.com and we will be happy to help.

How can I send Category B UN3373 infectious samples?

To achieve compliance when sending Category B UN3373 infectious samples you must follow all guidelines set in UN, ADR and IATA regulations. Our UN3373 Category B packaging solutions can help you achieve this but to find out more about the process please consult our UN3373 compliance guide.

Which solution is right for you

I need to transport a UN3373 category B infectious sample, what packaging solution should I use?

We have a large portfolio of complete packaging solutions that can be used to compliantly send UN3373 infectious samples including our PathoPak and PathoShield ranges. Buy complete solutions or components in our UN3373 online store.

I need packaging that can maintain a payload's temperature, what should I use?

We have a selection of temperature-controlled packaging solutions suitable for maintaining a payload temperature within a specific range for between 24 and 120 hours. Discover more about our full temperature-controlled packaging range here.

I need to keep a payload between 2°C - 8°C (fridge temperature), what packaging solution should I use?

We have multiple packaging solutions that can maintain temperatures between 2°C – 8°C. For maximum duration and security our ORCA solutions utilise PCM and VIP technologies to provide a minimum protection of 96 hours or for payloads requiring protection for shorter time periods our PharmaTherm range use EPS insulation and water-based coolants providing users a cost-effective solution.

I need to keep a payload between 15°C - 25°C (controlled room temperature), what packaging solution should I use?

We have a variety of products that can provide room temperature stability. We would recommend reviewing our ORCA Multi-Use solutions which can maintain payload temperatures between 15°C – 25°C for a minimum of 96 hours in even the most challenging weather conditions. As the name suggests ORCA Multi-Use solutions are available in a variety of sizes and can be reconditioned and reused numerous times without a drop off in performance leading to long-term cost savings.

I need to keep a payload below -20°C (Frozen), what packaging solution should I use?

We have multiple packaging solutions suitable for maintaining frozen (-20°C) or deep-frozen (-80°C) temperatures using dry ice or phase change materials to support long durations. Learn more about our PharmaTherm dry Ice or ORCA PCM range on their dedicated web pages.

I don’t know what packaging I require, I just want to get my payload from A to B as safely as possible while following the correct compliance guidelines, can you help?

Of course, we have been providing temperature control and sample transport solutions for over twenty years. Send us an e-mail or give your local office a call to discuss which solution is best suited to your requirements.

Using our packaging solutions

How do I condition my temperature-controlled packaging to ensure it works effectively?

We try to make the conditioning process as simple as possible. All our latest video and PDF conditioning guides can be found on our page dedicated to conditioning our temperature-controlled solutions.

How can I be confident of the temperature will be maintained for my shipping lane?

We rigorously test our temperature-controlled packaging solutions against challenging ISTA 7D temperature profiles that reflect the most challenging of shipping lanes. For further peace of mind, you can take advantage of our digital testing services, ATMOS. ATMOS builds a digital facsimile of the packaging system before utilising real-world temperature data, allowing us to predict the performance of a shipment before it has been sent, in a fraction of the time required for physical testing.  Learn more about our testing services here.

Reuse, disposal and sustainability

Can I reuse Intelsius packaging solutions?

Reusing packaging solutions is an excellent way to limit costs and reduce waste. We offer a variety of multi-use solutions that can be reused without a drop off in performance. If you are unsure about if or how to reuse one of our solutions, please contact your local office.

Technical specifications and guidelines

Do you have a guide explaining the technical jargon used in sample transport and cold chain logistics?

Yes, we have a complete guide to the technical words, phrases, or acronyms and initialisms on our jargon buster web page.

What are phase change materials (PCM)?

Phase change materials are materials which are intended to change physical phase (melt/freeze/sublime) at a specific temperature thereby providing thermal stability. They often surround a payload creating a significant insulative barrier supporting thermal stability.

We use phase change materials in our ORCA solutions supporting temperature stability at 2 °C – 8 °C, 15°C – 25°C and –15°C – -25°C temperature ranges.

How do I know which phase change material (PCM) I should have in my boxes?

The PCM panels used in our ORCA systems can be differentiated by colour.

Purple PCM panels should be used when maintaining payload temperatures between 2 °C – 8 °C.

Red PCM panels should be used when maintaining payload temperatures of 15°C – 25°C and are in a solid state at room temperature.

Blue PCM panels should be used when maintaining payload temperatures between 15°C – -25°C.

Each set of PCM panels must be pre-conditioned prior to use. Conditioning guides can all be found here.

What are vacuum insulation panels (VIPS)?

Vacuum insulation panels are high performance sheet insulation materials. No air is held within the panel, creating a vacuum. This vacuum greatly reduces thermal conductivity meaning heat transfer is limited and performance of solutions using VIPS is maximised.

What’s the difference between vacuum insulated panels and expanded polystyrene?

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) and vacuum insulated panels (VIP) are reliable insulators used to achieve greater durations of temperature stability in passive temperature-controlled solutions.

Vacuum insulated panels have the benefit of providing similar insulative properties at a much reduced density compared to EPS, meaning the total packaging solutions size and weight can be reduced and a high performance maintained. EPS packaging solutions offer a viable, robust and cost-effective alternative.

Are the Intelsius packaging solutions qualified and tested?

All our temperature-controlled packaging solutions are tested against challenging ISTA 7D temperature profiles. Full qualification data is available for all temperature-controlled systems so you can be confident in the products performance.

Where required our sample transport solutions are certified to ISTA accredited and UN certified standards.

Our services

Can I rent temperature-controlled packaging solutions from Intelsius?

Our ORCA fulfilment services allow you to rent high-quality, ready to use, temperature-controlled solutions. These solutions can be delivered straight to the payload fully pre-conditioned, utilised as required and then returned to Intelsius.

This is a new and exciting service that gives you access to the very best in temperature-controlled packaging at a fraction of the price and is a excellent service for those looking to maximise efficiency and minimise waste.

Do you offer thermal testing?

Yes, we offer thermal testing as part of our package of Technical Services. The service is conducted in our ISTA-certified testing laboratory using specialised equipment, operated by highly knowledgeable Technical Team. Intelsius offer thermal testing against a variety of industry standard test procedures or we can create a profile more suited to your shipping lane.

Have we missed anything you’re keen to know about?

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