For 50 years Sterilin has set world standards for quality, reliability and user safety. They are leading the way forward again, with the introduction of 95kPa validated containers for the safe and reliable transportation of biological samples.

With more and more biological samples being transported through normal mailing systems, using different forms of transportation, the containers used to transport these samples are subject to increasingly tighter transport regulations. The requirements can vary depending on the mode of transport and the classification of samples (see www.iata.org). These regulations for the transportation of potentially hazardous substances are designed to ensure that samples reach their destination in good condition and do not present any hazard to those handling the package along the way.

Safer storage and transportation of samples has been central to the development of Sterilin single use containers. Sterilin was the first company to offer 'flow seal' technology for leak free medical sample containers and our product QC involves routine leak testing to ensure that the containers adhere to the required standards (EN 14254 Medical Specimen Containers for Microbiology Annex D).

Sterilin now also offer a range of 95kPa compliant containers to comply with the internal pressure differential test requirements of the Department for Transport (DfT), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

What is 95kPa?
When transporting potentially infectious samples through the post, it is important to take every precaution to prevent exposure to the contents. Therefore, the packaging must comply with transport regulations, such as those recommended by the IATA*. These require the primary or secondary packaging to withstand an internal differential pressure of 95kPa without leakage.

A pressure of 95kPa is 0.95 bar (1 bar being equivalent to atmospheric pressure at sea level). An increase of a further 95kPa within a container is therefore equivalent to almost twice atmospheric pressure - about the same as that used in a pressure cooker.

Leading the way in 95kPa conformance for sample containers
Sterilin 95kPa compliant containers are tested and certified to withstand an internal pressure differential of 95kPa without leaking, which means that they comply with transportation requirements and allow the safe transportation of biologicals through the post without risk of spillage or leakage.

The 95kPa compliant product range includes Sterilin 30ml polystyrene universals (128A, 128B and 128C) and Sterilin 60ml polystyrene containers with metal caps (125AM, 125BM and 125CM). Each of these is available with printed, plain or no labels, depending on customer needs.

For more information, please speak to your local Sterilin distributor, visit www.sterilin.co.uk or email sian.hayman@sterilin.co.uk

*See 1.1.6 of the ICAO Technical Instructions (IATA 5.0.2.9)