Emergency Preparedness

Kern Medical Bioterrorism Response Guide Section 3 – Attachments

LABORATORY PACKAGING AND TRANSPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Precautions

? Use Standard Precautions when collecting clinical specimens. (Exception: See recommendations for isolation for smallpox and viral hemorrhagic fevers) ? Use biological safety cabinets to prevent the release of aerosols. Masks, gowns gloves and eye protectors should be use in addition to biological safety hoods when handling all suspected bioterrorism agents. Packaging ? Place biohazard label on each specimen container (culture or blood specimen). ? Wrap specimen container with absorbent material and place in a leak proof container with a tight cover. ? Place a biohazard label on primary container. ? Place wrapped specimen container in the primary container. ? Place primary container into a second leak proof container and seal tightly. ? Place biohazard label on second container. ? Place dry ice or ice pack (not ice) in the second container if required. If the specimen is a paper or powder form, ice should be omitted. ? Place the second container in a third container. ? The third container should meet the state and federal regulations for shipping of hazardous materials and be properly labeled. Transporting ? Transportation of clinical specimens to the local health or state health department should be coordinated with the local FBI or law enforcementagency.

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