Blood or other potentially infectious materials will be placed in a container which prevents leakage during the collection, handling, processing, storage, and transport of the specimen.
The container used for this purpose will be labeled or color coded in accordance with the requirements of the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard and will be closed prior to handling. In order to qualify for an exemption to this requirement, standard precautions shall be practiced in the handling of all specimens. This exemption shall apply only while specimens remain at PENN.
Any specimens which could puncture a primary container will be placed within a secondary container which is puncture resistant. The PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/AREA SUPERVISOR shall specify how this will be carried out, i.e. which specimens, if any, could puncture a primary container, which containers may be used as secondary containers and where the secondary containers are located in their area. (Complete Appendix C, # 4.)
If outside contamination of the primary container occurs, the primary container shall be placed within a secondary container which prevents leakage during the handling, processing, storage, transport, or shipping of the infectious agent (which are considered Dangerous Goods).
All shippers of infectious material must attend biennial training to fulfill regulatory requirements. For details, call EHRS at (215) 898-4453 or consult the EHRS website.