Temperature-controlled reagent shipping
Reagents and diagnostic kits need transport packaging that maintains their approved temperature conditions. THERMOCON matches insulation, coolants and payload to the individual products, including small shipments and components sensitive to freezing.
Approved transport conditions
Product specifications
The permitted transport temperature and transit time for each product are needed for the design. Storage instructions alone are not sufficient. The temperature at packing and the storage conditions after arrival must also be defined.[R1]
Kit composition
Enzymes, buffers, controls and other components may have different requirements. Before designing the packaging, establish which components can be shipped together and which need separate temperature control.[R2]
Changes to the product range
New products, different shipment quantities or changed transport conditions may require a reassessment. This is based on the current product approval and the test data for the intended insulated packaging.
Thermal requirements
| Product requirement | Shipping consideration | Temperature-controlled packaging requirements |
|---|---|---|
| +2 to +8 °C, do not freeze where specified | Small vials can become too cold when placed close to frozen coolant packs. | The packing instruction specifies coolant preparation and the distance from the reagent containers. Temperature measurements show whether this packout keeps the reagents sufficiently cool without overcooling them. |
| +15 to +25 °C or another approved ambient temperature range | Summer heat and winter cold can take temperatures above or below the approved limits. | The insulated packaging is designed for the specific temperature limits and required transit time. |
| Frozen shipping according to the manufacturer’s specifications | Permitted upper and lower limits and temperature changes are product-specific. | The starting temperature and cooling medium are matched to these requirements. Dry ice is only an option where suitable. |
| Freeze-dried product | Conditions approved for a dried component do not automatically apply to the entire kit. | The current data sheet defines the conditions. Lyophilisation alone does not establish approval for shipping without refrigeration. |
THERMOCON US range
EPS insulation · Shipper component
Lightweight EPS shippers are available in a range of standard sizes. Select the coolant configuration and assess the complete packout for shipments without returns.
Internal space, permitted payload and seasonal coolant configuration must suit the planned shipment.
Phase change material · Coolant packs
Rigid PCM coolant packs are available for selected refrigerated, controlled room temperature and frozen applications. They are components of the thermal packout, not complete shipping systems.
Match the PCM variant, available space, preconditioning and coolant quantity to the smallest planned reagent shipment and required shipping duration.
Vacuum insulation + PCM · Reusable
Medi Line combines an HDPE outer container, VIP insulation and PCM coolant packs for reusable shipping processes with organized returns.
Return logistics, condition checks and coolant preconditioning must be organized at the dispatch site.
Design, prototypes, environmental chamber
THERMOCON develops and tests insulated packaging for specialist bottle formats, racks, kit compositions or temperature requirements.
Tell us the dimensions and quantity of your reagents and the permitted transport temperature. We also consider how you prepare the coolants and pack the kits at the dispatch site.
The US pre-qualified systems overview introduces Medi Line and Dry Ice Line. For component-based reagent packaging, compare the EPS shipper and coolant pages and discuss any additional testing required.
Packaging and handling
The tested packout must be reproducible at the packing station. The packing instruction therefore describes the components used, their preparation and the permitted payload.
The instruction defines which products can be shipped together and the storage conditions from which they are packed.
The instruction specifies the format, number and position of the coolants, along with their preparation temperature and duration. This preparation is called preconditioning. Coolants prepared differently must be clearly distinguishable at the packing station.
Racks, dividers and void fill secure the intended arrangement. It must also be maintained with partial payloads.
The packing time, handover and expected arrival determine the protection time required. Measurement positions and procedures for handling temperature excursions are defined in advance.
The recipient needs storage instructions for the products after unpacking. Approved transport conditions may differ from long-term storage conditions.
Technical questions
Not automatically. UN3373 covers certain Category B infectious substances. The actual contents and their classification determine the requirements. Chemical components may trigger other dangerous goods requirements. Sending a patient specimen involves its own requirements. Explore sample transport →
Use the number and arrangement specified in the packing instruction for the relevant shipment size. Less product does not automatically mean fewer coolants are needed: a smaller quantity can cool down or warm up more quickly. For a different configuration, check whether existing temperature tests already cover that variant.
No. A pre-qualified system has a defined shipper, coolant configuration and packing procedure. An EPS container is a component for a selected packout. Changing the box, coolant or payload does not transfer the qualification of a different complete system.
For example, when a rack does not fit a standard box or your existing refrigeration and freezing equipment cannot prepare the coolants as specified. Numerous additional steps at the packing station may also justify adapting the packaging.
Existing shipping packaging
Where approved transport conditions and documented packaging already exist, changes to the box, coolants or payload are checked against these requirements. Individually selected components and thermal testing are also options when different internal dimensions are needed or an existing packout is being adapted.
Other transport applications in diagnostics: Laboratory and diagnostics shipping at a glance.
THERMOCON USA advice
We advise on pre-qualified systems and custom packaging. Please tell us the products you plan to ship, the permitted temperature range, quantities per shipment and transit time.
Last reviewed: November 1, 2026. The current product specification and the requirements applicable to the shipment remain authoritative.
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