As a designer and manufacturer of Category A and Category B compliant packaging for over 25 years, Intelsius is well-positioned to offer the best packaging solutions to ship dangerous and infectious substances. The United Kingdom recently discovered its first human case of influenza A (H1N2)v or human swine flu. This strain of the virus is not genetically related to any of the previous 50 cases detected globally since 2005.
This short article will highlight how you can safely ship samples of H1N2, otherwise known as an infectious substance.
A simple breakdown of the UN classification of infectious substances is as follows:
Category B is known as UN3373 and is described as: ‘an infectious substance which does not meet the criteria for inclusion in Category A.’
Category A is divided into two sub-categories: UN2814 (affecting humans) and UN2900 (affecting animals only) and is described as: ‘an infectious substance which is carried in a form that, when exposure to it occurs, is capable of causing permanent disability, life-threatening or fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans or animals.’
The difference between Category A and B compliance can be found here, including various transport regulations and packaging requirements.
A H1N2 sample could fall under either a Category A or B infectious substance, however Intelsius have solutions that can cater to either category.
PathoPak
Our Pathopak range is both Category A and B compliant, regardless of specimen class and is a highly protective, durable and cost-effective solution. It is suitable for shipping a range of primaries including blood tubes, specimen containers, swabs, blood collection/transfusion bags and medical devices, making it appropriate for the transport of H1N2 samples.
The PathoPak packaging range is available in 800ml, 1L, 2L or 3L sizes and meets IATA, ADR, and CFR 49 (DOT) transport regulations. You can learn more about the range here.
Pathoshield
Our PathoShield sample packaging features a line of complete Category A and Category B solutions which include a flexible 95kPa tested compliant secondary container, absorbent, labels, and UN markings. The range is designed to ship a wide range of primaries, including blood vials, swabs and sample containers and each system is pre-printed with the required markings. They are also equipped to ship samples in compliance with transport regulations.
The PathoShield range is available in multiple sizes, accommodating between 3 and 6 tubes per box. They are also available as outer packaging only.
You can look through our full range of Category A and B compliant sample transport solutions here. If you have queries about transporting infectious substances or any questions about sample transport packaging, feel free to email cs@intelsius.com and our helpful representatives will be happy to be of assistance.