PACKAGING FROZEN SPECIMENS
PURPOSE: This procedure provides instruction on how to package Exempt Human
Specimens for transport when they are frozen.
All specimen(s) are to be packaged as indicated in MyLab BC Lab Test Info and
according to the BC Transportation of Dangerous Goods Specimens procedure
(Paradigm Document# 6573 Ver. 4.0).
This procedure provides the packaging instructions for Exempt Human Specimens
ONLY. If there is an indication of infection by patient or requisition or where a
specimen is suspected of being infectious, the specimen MUST be packaged as a UN
3373 Biological Substance, Category B specimen or in the rare event UN 2814
Infectious Substances Affecting Humans, Category A specimen. Refer to the BC
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Specimens procedure (Paradigm Document#
6573 Ver. 4.0) for further information on classifying and the required packaging for
infectious substances.

All specimens that are to be transported frozen, are first frozen overnight at the Patient
Service Centre with the exception of Contract Services specimens which are
processed as indicated on the requisition.
PROCEDURE:
Step
Action
1.
Remove frozen specimens from freezer and a thermos from the refrigerator.
Select one specimen to package.
 Empty thermos containers are to be stored in the refrigerator with the
lid off.
2.
Verify the tests, patient name and accession number on the Send Out
requisition match the specimen and the specimen label (if required).
 Ensure that any testing performed by LifeLabs is not requested on the
Send Out requisition.
 Ensure that any information required on the Send Out requisition has
been provided.
E.g Carnitine – Note on requisition whether or not patient is fasting.
DOCUMENT TITLE: PACKAGING FROZEN SPECIMENS
MASTER INDEX #
FRE-PR-018
VERSION DATE
Page 1 of 4
OCT-29-2010
Printed copies are uncontrolled. Printed versions should be checked and compared to current version found on MyLab BC
3.
Determine if the Specimen Management team will be required to handle the
test or if they can directly forward the package to an external testing facility.
This can be determined by looking at the specimen label.
 Specimens on worksheets of >9000 are packaged to be forwarded
directly to the external testing facility.
 Specimens on worksheets of <9000 are packaged and forwarded to
Specimen Management. These tests require processing. Do Not
place in an ‘external’ transvelope.
For a complete Worksheet List, visit MyLab BC, Worksheet Decoder.
Worksheet < 9000 – package and
forward to Specimen Management.
4.
Worksheet > 9000 – package to be
forwarded directly to external facility.
Select the appropriate packaging based on the specimen’s destination and
specimen classification. Ensure the packaging is labeled identifying the final
destination.
BCCDC – Biohazard Transvelope
LifeLabs and All other
BCCDC provides LifeLabs with
destinations – clear plastic bag
these transvelopes.
labeled with destination label.
Examples of destination labels include -
DOCUMENT TITLE: PACKAGING FROZEN SPECIMENS
MASTER INDEX #
FRE-PR-018
VERSION DATE
Page 2 of 4
OCT-29-2010
Printed copies are uncontrolled. Printed versions should be checked and compared to current version found on MyLab BC
5.
Place specimen(s) inside the bag.
 Package up to three (3) frozen specimens (with the same
destination) in a single bag.
 Bags with different destinations can be placed in the same thermos.
E.g - One specimen for VGH and one specimen for BRL can be placed in the
same thermos but in separately labeled bags.
6.
Elasticize one (1) icepack around the bag and place in the thermos.
 Specimens being transported from the BC Region may require more
ice. Follow any specific transporting instructions for your area.
7.
Place a photocopy of the requisition or Send Out requisition (if required) in
the pocket of a second bag. Place this bag on the top of the specimens
inside the thermos. Photocopies of the requisition are required if the –

Specimen is being forwarded to an institution other than CBS,
BCCDC or BCCA. Attach the photocopy of the original requisition
behind the Send Out requisition.
Notes:



8.
Specific tests performed at CBS, BCCDC or BCCA may require a
photocopy of the original requisition. If so, this information is indicated
on MyLab BC under Lab Test Info.
Standing Orders require a photocopy to be sent the first time ONLY.
TFAD requisitions need to be returned with a photocopy of the original
requisition if the testing is to be sent out.
Secure thermos lid and place in the appropriate transport area.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
BC Transportation of Dangerous Good Paradigm Document # 6573 Ver. 4.0
Packaging External Specimens Master Index# FRE-PR-025
Packaging LifeLabs Specimens Master Index# FRE-PRTest to Follow Another Day Master Index# FRE-PR-040
Standing Order Procedure Master Index# INT-PR-005
DOCUMENT TITLE: PACKAGING FROZEN SPECIMENS
MASTER INDEX #
FRE-PR-018
VERSION DATE
Page 3 of 4
OCT-29-2010
Printed copies are uncontrolled. Printed versions should be checked and compared to current version found on MyLab BC
DOCUMENT REVISION LOG
DOCUMENT NAME: PACKAGING FROZEN SPECIMENS
MASTER INDEX # FRE-PR-018
Responsible Person:
Education & Training Coordinator
Original Effective Date:
August 26, 2008
Original Approver:
Dr. Michael T. Kelly
Date
Oct 30, 2008
Title: Laboratory Director
Change/Update
-NEW-
Nov 18, 2009
Annual Approval
Oct 29 2010
Updated by Trevor McLean
Approved By
Dr. Michael
Kelly
Dr. Michael
Kelly
Dr. Michael
Kelly
DOCUMENT TITLE: PACKAGING FROZEN SPECIMENS
MASTER INDEX #
FRE-PR-018
VERSION DATE
Page 4 of 4
OCT-29-2010
Printed copies are uncontrolled. Printed versions should be checked and compared to current version found on MyLab BC