The clear and accurate labeling of containers holding bodily fluids is a fundamental safety requirement. These labels serve as the crucial first line of defense, communicating immediate hazards to anyone who handles the material, whether in a laboratory, hospital, or during transit. Standardized warnings and safety protocols are mandated by regulatory bodies to protect personnel from accidental exposure to bloodborne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials. Proper labeling ensures the contents are managed correctly from collection to final disposal or analysis, preventing misidentification and spills.
Mandatory Labeling and Symbols for Biohazard Containers
Any container, bag, or box used to store, transport, or dispose of bodily fluids must display the universal Biohazard symbol. This symbol, a trefoil design, signals the presence of infectious materials to all personnel. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates its use on regulated waste containers and any receptacle used for blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
The symbol is required to be black on a fluorescent orange or orange-red background to ensure maximum visibility and contrast. This color coding helps distinguish biohazardous materials from general waste or other laboratory items. The word “BIOHAZARD” or “BIOLOGICAL HAZARD” must be printed clearly in a contrasting color alongside the symbol.
This labeling applies broadly to primary collection tubes, secondary leak-proof containers, and regulated medical waste bags or boxes. While a red bag or container may sometimes substitute for the symbol and legend on regulated waste, the universal biohazard symbol remains the standard for most containers holding specimens.
Specific Wording Requirements for Transport and Shipping
When bodily fluids are shipped between facilities, the labeling requirements become more complex, shifting to specific regulatory text for dangerous goods transport. Regulations from bodies like the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) require specific wording, known as the “proper shipping name,” and a corresponding United Nations (UN) number to classify the material based on risk.
Category B Substances
Most routine patient samples, such as those for diagnostic testing, fall under the classification for Category B infectious substances. The proper shipping name for these materials must be clearly imprinted on the outer packaging as “BIOLOGICAL SUBSTANCE, CATEGORY B”. This wording must be accompanied by the corresponding UN number, which is UN 3373, prominently displayed inside a diamond-shaped mark. This marking must be visible on the external surface of the outer container.
Category A Substances
For specimens containing high-risk pathogens capable of causing life-threatening disease, a stricter classification, Category A, is required. The proper shipping name for Category A infectious substances affecting humans is “INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCE, AFFECTING HUMANS,” along with the UN number UN 2814.
Additionally, the outer packaging must include the name and address of both the shipper (consignor) and the consignee (recipient). A crucial requirement for transport is the inclusion of a contact name and telephone number for a person responsible who can provide emergency information about the material.
Secondary Safety and Handling Instructions
Beyond the core mandatory symbols and proper shipping names, containers often feature secondary safety instructions that guide the handler on proper management and specimen integrity. These instructions are operational details intended to prevent damage and maintain the sample’s viability during transport and storage.
Secondary instructions often include:
- Package orientation labels, often depicted as two upward-pointing arrows, with the phrase “THIS END UP” to ensure fluids remain upright.
- Temperature requirements communicated through specific wording, such as “Keep Refrigerated” or “Store at -20°C.”
- Dry ice markings, if used, which must include the proper shipping name “Dry Ice,” the UN number UN 1845, and the quantity in kilograms.
- A statement confirming the presence of absorbent material, such as “Contains Absorbent Material,” to prevent leakage in case of container failure.
- Labels specifying the intended use, such as “Diagnostic Specimen” or “For Research Use Only,” to aid laboratory processing upon arrival.