[Histonet] RE: Formalin in plastic bags

[Burrill, Jason]

Patricia you are correct about the classification of most formalin
solutions being hazardous for air transport but as it relates to 10%
neutral buffered formalin it does not apply.  IATA regulations, which
govern air transports, clearly state in the Dangerous Goods Regulations
that any solution containing less than 10% formaldehyde is not
considered hazardous for air transport.  And since 10% neutral buffered
formalin contains only 4% formaldehyde it is not considered a dangerous
good for transport.  I will say that you should always check with your
commercial carrier (e.g. FedEx, UPS) before final classification of any
material that there is a question about as they may have stricter
requirements.

 

Now if you are speaking about the transport of Patient Specimens as
defined by IATA, exempt human or animal, which formalin fixed tissue
typically falls into then what is required is a leak-proof primary
receptacle, leak-proof secondary packaging and a rigid outer packaging
with size dimensions of no less than 100 mm x 100 mm.  

 

And my final disclaimer will be that you should always check with your
EHS department to make sure that you are following your
institutional/company policies.

 

Regards,

Jason 

 

Jason Burrill

Sr. Manager, Histology and Laboratory Safety

Research Animal Diagnostic Services

Charles River

251 Ballardvale St

Wilmington, MA 01887

Office: 781-222-6152

Fax: 978-988-8793

jason.burrill <@t> crl.com

www.criver.com <http://www.criver.com/> 

 

Accelerating Drug Development. Exactly.

 

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------------------------------

 

Message: 2

Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:34:46 -0400

From: "Patricia Karlisch" <Pkarlisch <@t> hmc.psu.edu>

Subject: [Histonet] Formalin in plastic bags

To: <Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>

Message-ID: <48809BF6.07F7.008C.0 <@t> hmc.psu.edu>

Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

 

Richard,

   There are standards for sending specimens that are in a hazardous
solution, like Formalin.  Plastic bags are secondary containers and
should not be used to transport fluid. The specimens should be in a
secure  plastic container that seals tightly and will not puncture
causing injury to others.   

   Pat Karlisch

 

Pat Karlisch

Supervisor, Histology, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Mail Code H179

Hershey, PA 17033

Phone (717) 531-6072

Fax: (717) 531- 7741

email: pkarlisch <@t> psu.edu 

 

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