Sample transport
Medical specimens, clinical trial samples and material for environmental analysis need transport conditions suited to the specific analysis. THERMOCON helps you select and design insulated packaging. We consider the laboratory’s temperature requirements, transit time and the space required for your complete sample packaging.
Temperature & time
Ask the receiving laboratory for the transport temperature and latest permitted arrival or processing time. These can differ according to the sample and analysis. A blanket requirement of +2 to +8 °C is therefore not appropriate for all laboratory samples.[S1]
We also include the starting temperature, smallest and largest payloads and expected ambient temperatures in the design. Collection rounds additionally involve stops, waiting times and opening the box. The thermal packout is matched to this process and the laboratory’s temperature requirements.[S2][S3]
THERMOCON selection
Regular laboratory rounds prioritise handling and reuse, while shipments to different recipients often require a system without returns. The appropriate system line is then selected by temperature range, transit time and internal dimensions. The complete sample packaging must fit within the intended packout.[S2]
Robust reusable box
This robust reusable box, with direct access to the payload compartment, can be configured for regular laboratory collection rounds. Its applications include transporting water and soil samples.
The complete sample packaging must fit inside. The temperature configuration, openings and maximum route duration are considered together.
EPS system · Single use
EPS insulation and a defined coolant configuration form the system for shipments without returns. The configuration is selected according to the temperature requirement and internal space needed.
The seasonal packout, payload and required transit time must match the thermal test data.
Vacuum insulation + PCM · Reusable
These reusable systems combine VIP insulation and PCM coolants with a defined year-round packout for each temperature configuration. They are used in shipping loops with organised returns.
Return logistics, condition checks and pre-conditioning are defined for the intended reuse process.
Design, prototypes, environmental chamber
We develop and test thermal packouts for specialist sample racks, container sizes or transport conditions.
We need the external dimensions of the sample containers with their protective packaging, the smallest and largest shipments and the laboratory’s temperature and time requirements. We also need the temperature at packing and the planned transport route.
Sizes, payload volumes and model-specific test data are available in the pre-qualified systems overview.
UN3373 & specimen categories
The applicable transport regulations depend on an informed classification of the specimen. Factors include its origin, potential pathogens and the condition of the material. The consignor must establish this classification before selecting packaging; describing something as a ‘laboratory sample’ is not sufficient.[S4]
Classification
Classification
An exemption may apply where there is a minimal likelihood that a human or animal specimen contains pathogens. This requires professional judgement of the specimen, along with the packaging and marking specified for that exemption.[S4]
Classification
Packaging functions
Category B shipments require a primary receptacle, secondary packaging and outer packaging. These protect against leakage of specimen material and damage during transport. Insulation and coolants add the necessary temperature control. Both functions must be coordinated in the complete shipping packaging.[S6][S2]
The sample tube or another suitable receptacle contains the material for analysis. For liquid Category B specimens, it must be leakproof. If several fragile receptacles are packed together, they must be separated so that they cannot damage one another.[S6]
The secondary packaging encloses the primary receptacles and must also be leakproof for liquid specimens. Absorbent material capable of absorbing the entire liquid contents is placed between the primary receptacles and the secondary packaging.[S6]
The outer packaging protects the inner assembly during handling and transport. The role of an insulated box depends on the demonstrated performance of the complete assembly: it may form part of the outer packaging or be used as an additional overpack.[S7]
P650 and PI650
Transport requirement
For UN3373, P650 requires a three-part packaging system with either rigid secondary packaging or rigid outer packaging. The requirements apply to the fully packed and marked shipment. Follow the packaging manufacturer’s instructions when filling and closing it.[S7]
Transport requirement
PI650 requires rigid outer packaging. For liquids, limits include a maximum of one litre per primary receptacle and four litres per outer packaging, excluding the coolant in each case. Any state and operator variations must also be considered. A packout used for road transport therefore needs a separate assessment before air shipment.[S8]
The differences listed here are an extract. Shipping must follow the complete requirements for the specific consignment and route.
Frozen shipments
Dry ice turns into carbon dioxide gas during transport. The outer shipping packaging must allow this gas to escape and must not be sealed airtight. Sample receptacles and secondary packaging are still closed according to their packing instructions. Supports keep the sample containers secure even after the dry ice has dissipated. Before use, establish that the sample, containers and packaging are suitable for these low temperatures.[S8][S1]
For road transport with dry ice, P650 refers to ADR 5.5.3. For air transport, the relevant dry ice requirements also apply, including PI954, marking as UN1845, declaration of the net quantity and the Class 9 hazard label. The transport partner must be able to accept the intended shipment under these conditions.[S7][S9][S5]
Shipping planning
Selection starts with the requirements of your sample shipment. Existing packing instructions and dimensions help us determine a suitable system size and coolant configuration. You can flag any details still to be confirmed in your enquiry.
Describe the type of material and its known transport classification. Provide the external dimensions of the complete inner sample packaging.
Specify the laboratory’s temperature requirement, the starting temperature and planned transit time, including the intended allowance for delays.
Provide the number and size of the containers. We need both the smallest and largest planned shipments for the design.
Describe the road or air transport, destination countries and any interim storage. For collection rounds, handovers and box openings are also relevant.
Tell us whether the packaging will be returned and how many shipments you plan. Also explain how the coolants can be conditioned before dispatch.
Questions about sample transport
No. Professional classification depends on the material and its potential infection risk. Category A, Category B and possible exemptions must be distinguished. Only after this assessment can the applicable packaging and shipping requirements be established.[S4]
This range applies only when the laboratory specifies it for the particular sample and analysis. Other materials need different temperatures or transport conditions. Confirm the temperature range and permitted transit time before selecting packaging.[S1]
Yes, provided the complete packout meets the requirements of both transport modes. Air shipments require, among other things, rigid outer packaging and have their own quantity limits. Indicate any planned air transport or combined route when you enquire.[S8]
We consider the external dimensions of your complete inner sample packaging, together with the space needed for coolants and securing the contents. The key question is whether these components fit in the intended arrangement. The nominal volume of an empty box alone is not sufficient.[S2]
Tell us the external dimensions of the secondary container or complete sample packaging, the number of receptacles and the laboratory’s temperature and time requirements. This allows us to plan the space needed inside the insulated box and the positions of the coolants.
THERMOCON advice
Tell us the laboratory’s temperature requirements, the dimensions of your sample packaging and the intended transport route. We can advise on a suitable system line and establish whether a bespoke design is needed.
Other shipping applications
Last reviewed: 1 November 2026. The current product specification and the requirements applicable to the transport remain authoritative.
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