Packaging of samples

Transport of veterinary sample materials for diagnostic analysis must be in accordance with the rules regarding transport of dangerous goods (ADR 2025 packing instruction 650).

Correct labelling and packaging

According to the ADR Convention, the material for most veterinary diagnostic analyses falls into category B and therefore must be packed, labelled and shipped as described below:  

1. The sample is stored/transported in a 1) primary container (e.g. test tube) which must be completely tight.
2. Then placed in a 2) secondary container (transport pipe, storage container), which must be tight and solid.
3. Place an absorbent material between the primary and secondary containers. The absorbent material must be able to absorb all the liquid in the sample.
4. Place the sample (secondary container) in a suitable outer packaging (shipping bag). The outer packaging must be of sufficient strength in relation to capacity, weight and intended use with at least a surface measuring at least 50 x 50 mm and marked with a warning diamond bearing the words "UN3373". The outer packaging shall also carry the label: "BIOLOGICAL SUBSTANCE, CATEGORY B".
5. Close the outer packaging so that the entire warning diamond is visible.

Shipping bags can be requested free of charge from the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory by contacting clab@sund.ku.dk or by phone +45 35 33 29 07.

The sample(s) are packed together with the filled in requisition in the shipping bag and sent to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Dyrlægevej 46, 1870 Frederiksberg C.

The samples can then be sent by courier according to the regulations for dangerous goods.

It is always the sender’s responsibility to ensure that the sample is packaged and labelled correctly.

Below is an example of correct packaging – there may be other ways to do it according to the rules.