Question 1

What is the Meaning of IATA Packing Instruction 650?

Accepted Answer

IATA Packing Instruction 650 specifies the comprehensive requirements for packaging and transporting UN 3373 Biological Substance, Category B, which includes human and animal specimens intended for diagnostic or investigational purposes. This instruction ensures the safe and compliant shipment of biological materials, crucial for maintaining specimen integrity and protecting public health during transit to analytical laboratories.

Question 2

What is the Context of IATA Packing Instruction 650?

Accepted Answer

Within the International Air Transport Association's Dangerous Goods Regulations, Packing Instruction 650 serves as the authoritative standard for shipping non-infectious biological samples. These samples frequently include blood, urine, or saliva collected for assessing hormonal profiles, metabolic markers, or genetic predispositions, all vital components of comprehensive health evaluations in a clinical setting. The instruction forms a critical part of the global framework for safe biological material logistics.

Question 3

What is the Significance of IATA Packing Instruction 650?

Accepted Answer

Adherence to Packing Instruction 650 is paramount for safeguarding both the integrity of diagnostic specimens and the well-being of individuals handling these shipments. Proper packaging mitigates risks of leakage and contamination, thereby ensuring the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results for hormones like cortisol or thyroid-stimulating hormone. This precision directly informs clinical decisions and patient management strategies, supporting optimal health outcomes.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of IATA Packing Instruction 650?

Accepted Answer

The instruction mandates a triple packaging system: a primary leak-proof receptacle containing the specimen, a secondary leak-proof packaging, and a rigid outer packaging. Absorbent material must be placed between the primary and secondary containers to contain any liquid in case of breakage. This structured approach systematically prevents biohazard exposure and preserves the biochemical stability of sensitive analytes, which is essential for accurate quantitative analysis.

Question 5

What is the Application of IATA Packing Instruction 650?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare providers, clinical laboratories, and individuals utilizing at-home testing kits consistently apply Packing Instruction 650 when preparing samples for off-site analysis. This includes specimens sent for detailed hormonal assays, nutrient deficiency screenings, or comprehensive wellness panels. The instruction guides the assembly of compliant shipping containers, ensuring samples reach the analytical facility in a condition suitable for reliable testing.

Question 6

What is the Metric of IATA Packing Instruction 650?

Accepted Answer

Compliance with Packing Instruction 650 is assessed through visual inspection of packages to confirm adherence to specified design and labeling criteria, rather than a biological metric. The successful, intact arrival of a specimen at the laboratory, yielding accurate and interpretable results for biomarkers such as testosterone, estrogen, or insulin, serves as the ultimate practical measure of proper application and regulatory fulfillment.

Question 7

What is the Risk of IATA Packing Instruction 650?

Accepted Answer

Non-compliance with IATA Packing Instruction 650 introduces substantial risks, including sample degradation, cross-contamination, and potential exposure to biological hazards during transportation. Improper packaging can compromise the integrity of diagnostic data, leading to inaccurate test results, misdiagnosis, or delayed therapeutic interventions. Such deviations may also endanger shipping personnel and undermine the foundational trust in clinical diagnostic processes.

IATA Packing Instruction 650

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

What Are the Specific Packaging Requirements for Hormonal Sample Shipments?