Last Wednesday, I panicked mid-shipping prep: I needed to send inactivated COVID-19 specimens to a lab 20km away, but I’d only grabbed a random zip-top bag—no proper specimen transportation bag in sight. My advisor’s warning hit fast: “A leak without a certified biohazard bag means wasted work, violations, and risk to couriers.” I rushed back to the lab, scrambling to sort through supplies, only to get stuck on basics: What’s the difference between a UN2814 biohazard bag and a UN3373 specimen bag? How do I pick a bag that keeps specimens safe, even with gel packs?
After an hour of stress (and a lifeline from our senior tech Maria), I finally repacked with the right gear. Later, I dug through lab logs and realized 80% of shipping disasters happen not because of specimens, but because of wrong specimen transportation bags or bad packing. Here’s what I learned—with the key terms you need to shop for and use these bags right.
My first big mistake: Grabbing a blue UN3373 specimen bag for viral specimens. Maria stopped me cold: “That UN3373 bag is only for low-risk loads—like routine patient blood or fixed tissue. Viral specimens need a UN2814 biohazard bag.”
Why the difference? It all comes down to safety features:
- UN3373 specimen bag: A basic leak-proof bag that passes 1.2m drop tests. Great for local trips with non-pathogenic specimens (e.g., non-infectious cell cultures). It’s not built for high pressure or dangerous materials.
- UN2814 biohazard bag: This is a 95kPa pressure-resistant bag—critical for air shipping or high-risk specimens (viruses, live bacteria). The 95kPa rating means it can handle the pressure changes of flights without leaking, and it usually has a secondary inner liner to catch spills.
- Pro tip: When shopping for a specimen transportation bag, check the label first. A UN2814 biohazard bag will clearly mark “95kPa pressure-resistant” and have a bright red biohazard symbol. A UN3373 specimen bag is often blue or clear—don’t mix them up!
3-Step Packing for Your Specimen Transportation Bag (No Shortcuts)
Even the best specimen transportation bag fails if you pack it wrong. Maria walked me through a routine that protects specimens (and avoids leaks):
- Seal specimens first, then bag: Wrap centrifuge tube caps in parafilm to stop loosening; slide cryovials into foam sleeves (skip this, and you’ll crack vials—trust me). Only then place them into the specimen transportation bag’s main compartment.
- Use the bag’s two chambers (if it has them): Most quality specimen transportation bags have separate pockets—one for specimens, one for paperwork + temperature strips. Never mix! A leaky specimen ruins docs, and the receiving lab can’t verify your load.
- Match cooling to your bag (for temperature-controlled shipping): For 2–8°C specimens, use 2–3 pre-frozen gel packs inside the specimen transportation bag (not loose!). For -80°C ultra-low temp needs, add dry ice—but wrap it in paper towels first! Direct dry ice contact can crack vials, even in a tough UN2814 biohazard bag.
Label Your Specimen Transportation Bag Like It Matters (Key Tags Included)
I almost had the courier refuse my UN2814 biohazard bag—I forgot to add proper labels. Here’s what must go on any specimen transportation bag:
- Orange/black biohazard symbol (required for all UN2814/UN3373 bags, per IATA rules).
- UN number: Clearly mark “UN2814” or “UN3373” on the bag—couriers use this to handle your specimen transportation bag safely.
- Contact info: Your number + the receiving lab’s—critical if the specimen transportation bag gets delayed or damaged.
- Optional (but smart): Humidity strip (turns blue if wet) and temperature strip (for temperature-controlled specimen shipping)—saved me last week when condensation looked like a leak!
Wrap-Up
The right specimen transportation bag isn’t just a “bag”—it’s your specimen’s first line of defense. For high-risk loads, grab a UN2814 biohazard bag (that’s the 95kPa pressure-resistant one!). For routine samples, a UN3373 specimen bag works. Pack carefully, label clearly, and you’ll skip the panic I felt.
Had a mishap with a specimen transportation bag? Found a favorite 95kPa bag or cooling hack? Drop a comment—I’m building a list of go-to gear for lab shipping! Please visit www.aicbiologicalbag.com
