Apparatus for packaging and shipping biological fluid samples collected in vials

摘要

An apparatus for packaging and shipping biological fluid samples collected in vials is disclosed. The apparatus includes an absorbent body for supporting a plurality of vials, a packaging container for surrounding and protecting the absorbent body when at least one of the vials is received and supported therein, a shipping container for surrounding and protecting at least one of the packaging containers and a shipping carton for surrounding and protecting the shipping container during shipment from a facility where the biological samples are collected to a facility for analyzing the biological samples. The apparatus in accordance with the invention is particularly useful in clinical drug trials, phases 1 to 4. The apparatus is designed to be used with robotic analyzers which automatically locate and remove the vials from the absorbent body in a predefined order in accordance with an index associated with the top surface of the body. Any biological fluid leaked or spilled from a vial is absorbed by the absorbent body to ensure that potentially infectious biological fluids are not discharged into the environment during shipping or handling. The advantage is a safe, inexpensive system for handling and shipping biological fluid samples collected in vials which permits automated sample analysis without auxiliary handling.