Packaging & Transport

The following are the minimum specimen packaging guidelines that should be followed when submitting specimens. 

1. Ensure that all specimen container caps and lids are properly tightened to prevent leakage. 
2. Properly complete the requisition. 
3. Collect the specimen(s) and transfer to a proper transport container, if needed. Double check the specimen container to ensure that the device is not beyond its stated expiration date. 
4. If using a manual test requisition, remove a self-stick label from the bottom of the pre-printed paper test requisition and affix this label to the specimen transport container. Place on the container such that the label does not cover the handwritten patient name.
5. Fold the top copy (original) of the test requisition in half widthwise (top to bottom) with the patient’s name and bar code facing out. Retain the second copy for office files. 
6. The specimen transport bag has 2 pouches. Place the specimen container(s) in the front pocket. Insert the requisition into the rear pocket with the bar code visible in the bottom corner of the bag. 
7. Keep specimens separated by temperature: room temperature, refrigerated and frozen.
8. Frozen specimens should be transported in plastic -screw--cap containers only. Frozen specimens must be placed in a separate specimen bag along with a separate test requisition. Frozen specimens cannot be split for other tests. If more than 1 test is ordered on a single frozen sample, we will call for authorization as to which of the tests ordered client wants performed before testing can proceed.
9. Seal the specimen bag but do not obstruct the bag’s bar code. This will protect the test requisition from leakage and help ensure that the patient information can be entered directly into the laboratory computer by scanning of the bar code.
10. If the specimen has been classified as an “infectious substance,” transport in a box designed to withstand 95kPa of pressure to meet the ICAO/IATA and DOT requirements. These boxes are available from the local laboratory (See the Transporting Specimens to Quest Diagnostics section). Please inform Quest Diagnostics prior to, or at the time of our Logistics Representative -pick--up, so that proper transport arrangements can be made. 
11. Any updates to these guidelines (or to the specimen transport supplies) will be communicated through the local Quest Diagnostics sales representative or Logistics Representative.
12. Client is responsible for securing all necessary packaging supplies. 

Proper specimen packing helps to expedite processing.

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While awaiting pick-up by a Quest Diagnostics Logistics Representative, maintain specimens at temperature dictated by Quest Test Directory. For any questions, please contact Quest Diagnostics Client Services at 1.866.MYQUEST (1.866.697.8378).

Quest Diagnostics will provide a lockbox for specimens awaiting pick-up by a Quest Diagnostics Logistics Representative. However, customers are responsible for the security of specimens prior to pick-up.

We recommend that the lockbox be placed in a location that is not subject or exposed to extreme temperatures. Frozen samples should be placed in Quest-supplied nylon, zippered frozen pouches to maintain frozen temperature stability until pick-up. 

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Frozen specimens must be transported in insulated containers surrounded by an ample amount of dry ice to keep the specimen frozen until they reach the laboratory. Thawed specimens are unsuitable for analysis. In the event a thawed specimen is received, client will be asked to resubmit an adequate specimen.

If additional information is needed regarding sending specimens to Quest Diagnostics, please contact a Quest Diagnostics Client Service Representative. Any updates to these guidelines will be communicated through the LABORATORY UPDATE and/or the local Quest Diagnostics Sales Representative. 

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Do not send any needles or other sharp or breakable objects. Do not send medical waste as a diagnostic specimen since it may violate the law and create a health hazard. Properly discard used needles or other sharps prior to transport. 

Please note for tests requiring the submission of syringes, the needle must be removed, and the syringe capped before sending to the laboratory. Ensure that there is no leakage from or visible contamination outside the specimen container. 

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See Microbiology: Transport of Infectious Substances and Microbiology: Infectious Substances and Select Agents

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Commercial transport of specimens is subject to various carrier requirements for documenting the contents of any package as well as for packaging and labeling. 

Air carrier: Follow any additional packaging and documentation requirements according to carrier’s instructions and/or those issued by the IATA, including Packing Instruction. 

Because different parts of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations apply based upon the mode of transport, check with the carrier or transportation expert about application of the DOT rules prior to submitting. Packages originating outside of the United States must meet any applicable legal requirements of the country of origin and the U.S. Customs and/or CDC requirements for entry into the United States. 

Quest Diagnostics and its affiliates will not be responsible for any liability attributable to the shipper’s improper actions or failure to comply with any applicable legal requirements. The outline of transportation requirements herein is only a summary of current law. It is provided with the understanding that the client seeks competent expert or legal advice about regulatory compliance, when applicable. In some cases, these requirements include employee training on these regulations. Quest Diagnostics cannot be responsible for this training. Quest Diagnostics reserves the right to refuse to accept any shipments that fail to meet legal requirements and those that pose a safety hazard to its employees.

For a complete guide to shipping infectious substances, including human biological samples, please go to Transporting-Infectious-Substances-Safely.pdf (dot.gov).

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