It isn’t uncommon for medical professionals and facilities to send blood to off-site laboratories for testing. This is generally because the cost of maintaining a full-service laboratory is too much for either small medical offices and larger hospitals. This arrangement makes a lot of sense for the involved parties but also poses the challenge of safely transporting blood and other substances.
Transport Professionals
Blood couriers have the responsibility of transporting and delivering blood between labs and medical facilities. Some tasks related to this job include obtaining blood samples, handling them safely, maintaining the chain of custody, and complying with regulations. These professionals should have strong organization skills, including the ability to accurately document deliveries and take down vital information.
Requirements for Couriers
A blood courier pennsylvania professional must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate, pertinent medical training, certification in sample handling, proof of training in health privacy laws, a valid driver’s license, and a clean driving record. Sometimes, employers provide training on how to handle specific types of samples, as well as providing training on how to use specific types of equipment. As part of the compliance with regulations, most couriers drive fleet vehicles that are maintained according to established standards.
Specimen Transport Regulations
Those standards are established by the Department of Transportation and the U.S. Postal Service. When couriers transport lab specimens on public streets, they must abide by the DOT requirements which include boxing and labeling steps. For example, some specimens must be packaged in a leak-proof container, a secondary leak-proof package, and an outer package. Absorbent materials may be required to ensure there’s no contact between separate specimens. Cushioning must be added, so inner packages aren’t damaged. These packages should be wrapped so that a fall from several feet wouldn’t damage any of the materials.
When you need to send specimens across town or further, you may need to contact a blood courier to handle the package. This single step helps you be sure that samples are handled appropriately and in compliance with safety regulations.
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