Keeping infection at bay - the role of packaging
1 min read
If there were any doubts about the vital role played by packaging in our medical supply chain these are dispelled by the Government requirements for the transfer of Covid 19 samples.
A triple layer packaging system is specified by Public Health England, one that must also pass a 1.2m drop test.
The primary receptacle (containing the possibly infectious material) must be watertight, leakproof and must contain the sample in absorbent material. The secondary packaging - also watertight and leakproof - may contain a number of primary receptacles - and the tertiary layer must also protect the contents from physical damage while in transit.
Either the primary receptacle of the secondary packaging must be capable of withstanding an internal pressure of up to 95 kilopascals (kPa).
Rigid tertiary packaging is specified for samples being transported by road.
The Government’s guidelines are clearly illustrated in this public document.
Health Protection Scotland has also provided a video showing best practice for this process.
