UN3373, UN2814 and UN2900 biological samples and Class 6.2 special packagings

Categories: Dangerous goods, Transportation

Biological materials, such as human and animal blood samples, tissue samples and other medical specimens, are an important part of medical research, diagnostics and treatment. Because the handling and transportation of these substances carries a risk of infection, special packaging solutions have been developed for their packaging.

In transport, infectious materials are mainly classified under three different UN numbers. UN 3373 BIOLOGICAL SUBSTANCE, CATEGORY B, UN 2814 INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCE, AFFECTING HUMANS and UN 2900 INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCE, AFFECTING ANIMALS . Of these, UN3373 is a lower infectious risk material and the other two are higher infectious risk materials. Stricter rules apply to their transport to avoid potential risks to human and animal health and the environment. In this article, we will discuss how to properly package these goods for transport and what special packaging is required for this.

UN3373 – BIOLOGICAL SUBSTANCE, CATEGORY B (Biological materials, low infectious hazard)

UN3373 is classified as biological materials with a low risk of infection. This includes blood samples, urine samples and tissue samples that have a low risk of spreading infection. However, even these must be packaged in accordance with regulations to prevent the risk of infection or sample spoilage.

Packaging requirements for UN3373

  1. Triple-layer packaging : Triple-layer packaging is used when packaging UN3373 materials. The packaging must be of good quality, able to withstand vibrations during transport and handling, and changes in temperature and humidity, for example.
    • First layer : Inner packaging that must not leak or break under normal transport conditions (for example, a tube).
    • Second layer : The inner packaging is packed together with cushioning in a second leak-proof packaging layer and completely sealed (for example, a plastic bag tested to an internal pressure of 95 kPa and cushioning/absorbent material).
    • Third layer : Outer strong packaging, such as strong cardboard packaging.

Special packaging for UN3373 packaging:

The UN3373 transport packages we sell are essentially packaging systems that include tube pouches, 95 kPa plastic packaging, cushioning material, and a strong outer packaging with labeling and instructions for packaging.

CATEGORY A – UN2814 INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCE, AFFECTING HUMANS and UN2900 INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCE, AFFECTING ANIMALS (Biological materials, infectious)

Category A includes infectious materials that contain dangerous pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and microorganisms that can cause serious health damage and even death. This includes, for example, carriers of HIV, tuberculosis or Ebola virus. The transport of these materials is at much higher risk and their packaging must meet stricter requirements to prevent the spread of infection and protect every link in the transport chain. Category A samples are packaged only in 4GU UN certified packaging.

Packaging requirements for UN2814 and UN2900

  1. Three-layer packaging (4GU UN certified packaging)

A three-layer packaging system is also used for packaging Category A materials. The 4GU packaging used for these samples is UN certified and tested to meet UN requirements.

  1. First layer : A leak-proof inner container made of glass, metal or plastic (such as a test tube).
  2. Second layer : A leak-proof intermediate packaging, inside which an inner container is enclosed with absorbent material, which must be able to absorb the entire contents of the transported material (for example, plastic packaging and absorbent mat or wool).
  3. Third layer : Outer strong packaging (such as cardboard packaging).

Special packaging for UN2814 and UN2900 packaging:

Our UN2814 and UN2900 packaging systems are 4GU UN specification and include strong plastic packaging, absorbent material, cushioning material and strong outer packaging with markings, security seal and necessary markings. 4GU packaging undergoes a series of tests to meet strict requirements and ensure the safety of the package contents. In addition, the transport of category A goods often has various additional requirements, ask our team for help!

Buy products here: https://meedresdg.eu/en/productcategory/packaging/packaging-for-biological-material/