UN3373 and P650 Explained
UN3373 and P650 Explained
Understanding the Requirements for Transporting Biological Samples
The safe transportation of patient specimens and other biological materials is essential across healthcare, pathology and laboratory environments.
Where samples are classified as UN3373 Biological Substance, Category B, they must be packaged for transport in accordance with Packing Instruction P650.
Understanding these requirements helps organisations protect specimens, maintain safe handling procedures and meet their responsibilities when biological materials are transported between healthcare facilities, laboratories and other locations.
What is UN3373?
UN3373 is the United Nations classification used for Biological Substance, Category B.
It applies to biological materials being transported where there is a relatively low likelihood that pathogens are present at a level capable of causing serious disease.
Examples can include patient specimens such as blood and blood components, tissue samples, swabs, urine and other bodily fluids, diagnostic specimens and other human or animal biological materials.
The correct shipping name for material classified as UN3373 is Biological Substance, Category B.
Correct classification remains the responsibility of the person or organisation preparing the material for transport.
Category A vs Category B Biological Substances
Not all biological materials can be transported under UN3373.
Category A applies to infectious substances which, if exposure occurs, are capable of causing permanent disability, life-threatening or fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans or animals. These substances are subject to more stringent transport requirements and different UN classifications.
Category B covers infectious substances that do not meet the criteria for Category A and are transported under UN3373.
It is therefore important that biological material is correctly classified before selecting the appropriate packaging and transport method.
What is Packing Instruction P650?
Packing Instruction P650 sets out the packaging requirements for transporting biological substances classified as UN3373.
For road transport in the UK, these requirements form part of the ADR regulations governing the carriage of dangerous goods.
The aim is to ensure that biological specimens are contained and protected so that they can withstand the conditions normally encountered during handling and transportation without loss or leakage of their contents.
The Three-Layer Packaging System
P650 requires a packaging system consisting of at least three components.
Primary Receptacle
The primary receptacle contains the specimen itself.
This could include a specimen tube, vial, bottle or other suitable sample container. It must be appropriately secured and packaged to minimise the risk of leakage or damage during transport.
Secondary Packaging
The primary receptacle is placed inside suitable secondary packaging.
The secondary packaging provides an additional level of containment and protection. Where liquids are being transported, sufficient absorbent material must also be used between the primary receptacle and secondary packaging to absorb the contents should leakage occur.
Where multiple primary receptacles are transported together, they must be packed to prevent contact and damage during transportation.
Tertiary or Outer Packaging
The final layer is the protective outer packaging used to transport the packaged specimens.
It must be strong enough for its contents, designed to withstand the shocks and loads normally experienced during transport and secured so that the inner packaging remains protected.
Either the secondary packaging or the outer packaging must be rigid.
What Should Appear on UN3373 Packaging?
Packages containing Biological Substance, Category B must carry the appropriate UN3373 mark on the external surface.
The diamond-shaped UN3373 mark must be clearly visible and legible, with the proper shipping name Biological Substance, Category B displayed adjacent to it.
Depending on the specimen, destination and method of transport, additional identification, handling or temperature information may also be required.
Why the Right Medical Transport Packaging Matters
Compliance is only one consideration when selecting a specimen transport solution.
Healthcare organisations also need packaging that works effectively within day-to-day clinical and laboratory environments.
The right solution can help protect specimens throughout transportation, reduce the risk of leakage or damage, maintain appropriate temperature conditions where required, provide clear identification of transported materials and support consistent transport procedures.
UN3373 Medical Transport Solutions from Bar Code Data
Bar Code Data supplies a comprehensive range of medical transport packaging to support the safe movement of specimens and other healthcare materials.
Our range includes secondary packaging in the form of single-use specimen and transport bags, designed to provide an additional layer of containment around primary specimen receptacles.
We also supply tertiary packaging in the form of reusable specimen transport bags, designed to provide robust outer protection during transportation between departments, laboratories, hospitals and other healthcare locations.
Bar Code Data can help healthcare organisations select packaging suited to their individual transport requirements, taking into account the type of specimen, journey, temperature requirements and operational procedures.
Temperature-Sensitive Specimens
Some specimens need to remain within defined temperature conditions during transportation.
Our reusable specimen transport bags include insulated options that can be used as part of an appropriate temperature-controlled transport process.
The precise requirements will depend on the specimen being transported, journey duration, environmental conditions and relevant organisational procedures.
Choosing the Right UN3373 Transport Solution
There is no single transport configuration suitable for every healthcare application.
Factors to consider include the type and quantity of specimens, primary receptacles being used, secondary packaging requirements, tertiary transport packaging, transport method, journey duration, required temperature range, frequency of use, cleaning and infection-control requirements and internal organisational procedures.
Bar Code Data can help you identify the right combination of single-use secondary specimen packaging and reusable tertiary specimen transport bags for your application.
Need Help with Specimen Transportation?
Whether you are transporting specimens between departments, laboratories, hospitals or external healthcare locations, our team can help you select secondary and tertiary packaging suited to your requirements.
Talk to Bar Code Data about your specimen transport requirements.