Reagents, test kits and samples
Reagent manufacturers, laboratory suppliers and testing laboratories need insulated packaging for a range of transport conditions. THERMOCON offers systems and components for distributing temperature-sensitive products, transporting samples and running regular laboratory collection rounds.
Diagnostics and laboratory logistics
Reagents and test kits
The manufacturer’s approved transport conditions apply to the individual products and kit components. Coolant selection, positioning and conditioning must be carefully matched, particularly for small payloads and reagents sensitive to freezing.
Diagnostic specimens
The specimen material, analysis and transport route determine the requirements. If classified as UN3373, the complete specimen packaging must meet the relevant requirements; temperature control is an additional consideration.
Supply between sites
On regular rounds, collection times, intermediate stops and box openings affect temperature control. Reusable packaging also requires a defined process for cleaning, inspection and returns.
Products and samples
| Products and samples | Use | Information needed for packaging selection |
|---|---|---|
| PCR reagents, enzymes, antibodies, controls | Distribution from production or storage to users | Current approved transport conditions for each product; permitted temperature changes; storage after arrival. |
| IVD kits and calibrators | Shipping complete kits with multiple components | Permitted temperatures and transit times for each component; approval for combined or separate shipping. |
| Blood, urine, swab or tissue samples | Diagnostic specimens sent from a practice, hospital or clinical trial | Laboratory acceptance requirements: container, medium, temperature, deadline and dangerous goods classification. |
| Veterinary samples | Samples sent from veterinary practices, livestock holdings or research | The requested analysis and classification can differ. Animal origin alone does not determine a shipping category. |
| Water, soil and food samples | Transport for chemical or microbiological testing | Sampling procedure, sample container, any preservation requirements and the testing laboratory’s transport instructions. |
REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE · DIAGNOSTICS & BLOOD TRANSPORT
This customer project involved two consecutive tasks: cooling whole blood immediately after collection, then transporting it within a narrow temperature range. A customer in diagnostics and blood transport needed a passive configuration that was straightforward to handle in day-to-day operations.
Product image of the Medi Line product family.
+19.5 to +22.5 °C
Temperature range for this whole blood application
up to 24 h
Temperature maintained in the described configuration
up to 6 bags
Medi Line MEDIUM with three PCM 22 coolant packs
The customer's requirement was to cool the whole blood from approximately +37 °C to around +20 °C within two hours. The temperature then needed to remain at approximately +19.5 to +22.5 °C. Active cooling was not intended for this application. The cooling stage and subsequent temperature maintenance therefore had to be considered together when selecting the packaging.
THERMOCON combined the Medi Line MEDIUM with three PCM 22 coolant packs. Through direct contact with the coolant packs, the described configuration can maintain the temperature of up to six whole blood bags. The PCM has a phase-change range around +22 °C. The box, coolant and bag arrangement together form the configuration tailored to this customer project.
In the described configuration, the temperature range of approximately +19.5 to +22.5 °C is maintained for up to 24 hours. The passive solution combines cooling immediately after collection with subsequent temperature maintenance.
These figures relate to this specific customer application. The applicable transport requirements for other samples or blood products must be defined separately; this case does not establish a general temperature requirement.
Related products
Laboratory collection rounds
On collection rounds, the first sample often spends longer in transit than the last. The required protection time runs from the earliest packing time to unpacking at the laboratory. Intermediate stops, openings and the addition of further samples change the conditions inside the insulated box and must be considered in testing.
The route description covers collection windows, intermediate stops, waiting times and the time until unpacking. This determines the longest protection time required.
Measure the sample rack or secondary container that will actually be placed in the insulated box, rather than just the individual tubes. Additional space is needed for coolants and for securing the containers.
Condition checks, cleaning and any disinfection are matched to the material and contamination risk. Coolants must be prepared again before the next use.
Robust reusable box
This robust reusable box provides direct access to the payload compartment. Its stated applications also include water and soil samples.
Allow space for protective containers and coolants as well as the sample containers. Also specify the longest route duration and how often the box is opened during the journey.
Vacuum insulation + PCM · Insulated case
The VIP/PCM insulated case is an option for regular transport with organised returns.
Provide the external dimensions of your sample containers and the required transport temperature. Also clarify which cleaning agents or disinfectants you intend to use for the case.
Design, prototypes, environmental chamber
THERMOCON also develops and tests insulated packaging for specialist sample containers or route conditions.
Tell us the laboratory’s temperature requirements, the dimensions of your sample containers and the longest route duration. We also need to know which refrigeration and freezing equipment is available for preparing the coolants.
Food and environmental testing
For water, soil and food samples, permitted transport conditions also depend on the intended analysis. The same sample material may require different temperatures and deadlines for different analyses. The receiving testing laboratory defines these conditions.
Production & quality
Samples from incoming goods, production or shelf-life testing may have different starting temperatures. The insulated packaging must suit these conditions and the requirements of the specific analysis.
Sampling & testing services
The number and size of the sample containers, together with the coolants, determine the internal space needed. Transit time includes the time between sampling, collection and receipt at the laboratory.
Bespoke configurations
For established packouts or those requiring individual testing, suitable insulated boxes and coolants can be selected. Evidence of the required temperature control applies to the complete packout.
Further information: Openings, waiting times and returns on regular rounds.
THERMOCON advice
Whether you ship reagents, test kits or samples, tell us the transport requirements, the dimensions of the goods or complete sample packaging, and the planned process.
Last reviewed: 1 November 2026. The current product specification and the requirements applicable to the transport remain authoritative.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Vimeo. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationYou are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationYou need to load content from reCAPTCHA to submit the form. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationYou are currently viewing a placeholder content from Mailchimp. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationYou need to load content from hCaptcha to submit the form. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationYou need to load content from reCAPTCHA to submit the form. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationYou are currently viewing a placeholder content from Turnstile. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More Information
