Blood Centers of the Pacific
Delivery of Components
Packing Configurations
There are several shipping containers configurations used for each required shipping temperature and container design. Centers may use all or only certain types of containers for transport. Containers have been validated for the transport times listed in the following table.
| Temperature | Component Type | Coolant | Container Designation | Transport Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-10C | Red Cells/ Whole Blood | BSI Blue Ice | CF45 /CF89/ Igloo Coolers | < 48 hours/< 3 hours |
| 20-24C | Platelets/ Granulocytes | Gel Coolant | Igloo Coolers/ EU-38 | < 3 hours/< 24 hours |
| < -20C | Plasma/Cryoprecipitate | Dry Ice | CF45/CF89 | Dependent on amount of dry ice. Shipment is acceptable if dry ice is still present. |
A packing slip will accompany each shipment.
To return components to BCP, they must be packed in the shipping container with appropriate coolant determined for the type of product. If you have any questions concerning packing units for return, contact the Hospital Services department at you blood center.
The CF-45 and CF-89 shipping containers may be used for temporary storage of blood products in the case of a storage unit failure. Proper packing and temperature measurement and recording every 4 hours is required. Contact Hospital Services to arrange to return units, when applicable, or provide adequate shipping containers and packing materials for short term storage.
Packing Supplies and Configuration for Returning Red Cells to BCP
Packing supplies are available from BCP RBCs may be returned to BCP when the following packing configuration is followed:
- BSI Blue Ice: Do not store at temperatures colder than -35C. If stored at <-20C, leave ice at ambient room temperature for at least 15 minutes prior to packing. Ensure BSI Blue Ice is frozen solid prior to packing shipping container.
- Polar Packs (8 oz): Equilibrate to a temperature of 1-6C for red cells/whole blood.
- Plastic Bags (4 mil)
- Absorbent Pads
- CF-45/CF-89 Shipping Container with polyurethane liners
- Place plastic bag inside inner box.
- The CF-45 holds one inner box, the CF-89 holds two.
- If the CF-89 container is used, ensure both inner boxes are packed appropriately.
- Place one frozen solid BSI Blue Ice on each end of the cardboard sleeve, positioned between the sleeve and the inner box wall.
- Place one absorbent pad flat inside plastic bag.
- Place 2 units on top of the absorbent pad.
- Repeat layering of absorbent pads and units until the box is full, ending with absorbent pad.
- Caution: Minimum component load is 1200 mL. Add refrigerated Polar Packs to bring the total component load to at least 1200mL.
- If Polar Packs are used to add volume, treat them as units and layer as described above.
- Close and secure plastic bag.
- Insert top polyurethane panel.
- Close and seal container.
- Ship to BCP to ensure container is received within 48 hours.
Packing Supplies and Configuration for Returning Platelets to BCP
Packing supplies are available from BCP Platelets may be returned to BCP when allowed by the Service Agreement and the following packing configuration is followed:
- Polar Packs (48oz): Equilibrate to a temperature of 20-24C for platelets.
- Plastic Bags (4 mil)
- Absorbent Pads
- E-38UB Shipping Container with polyurethane liners
- Place plastic bag inside inner box.
- Place two polar packs (flat) inside the plastic bag.
- Place two absorbent pads flat on top of polar packs.
- Place unit(s) on top of the absorbent pads.
- Repeat layering of absorbent pads and units until the box is full, ending with absorbent pad.
- Close and secure plastic bag.
- Insert top foam panel.
- Close and seal container.
- Ship to BCP to ensure container is received within 24 hours.
Couriers
BCP supplies couriers for transfusion facilities within driving distance (determined by blood center distribution locations).
Schedule of routine runs is dependent on the Transfusion Facility. Other couriers not currently in contract may be used in certain situations.
Discuss these options with your blood center.
Couriers may facilitate transfer of components between Transfusion Facilities.
Other Delivery Mechanisms
Out of town delivery depends on the location of the Transfusion Facility. Contact Hospital Services for specific details.
Receipt of Shipments Using non-BCP Couriers
When a shipment is delivered by a non-BCP courier, evaluate appropriate packing configuration and temperature for type of component. Contact the Hospital Services department at your blood center if you have any questions concerning deviations or questionable storage conditions.