Sending samples by post

The packaging and labels the law requires for posting diagnostic samples.

You can post samples to us using Royal Mail Tracked 24, addressed to:

Clinilabs, 42 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS

What you need

UN3373 packaging has three layers:

1. Primary container: the labelled tube, cap on tightly.
2. Secondary packaging: a sealed, leak-proof bag with enough absorbent material to soak up the whole sample.
3. Outer packaging: a rigid box or padded container, with the UN3373 diamond label and the words "Biological Substance, Category B" on the outside.

Put the request form between the secondary and outer layers, never in with the samples.

We supply ready-made UN3373 postal packs: order them from Consumables (under Sample bags, code BAG-05).

Before you post

• Check the samples are ones that can travel by post. Some tests need samples to reach us within hours. See Storing samples and cut-off times.
• Post early in the week, so samples don't sit in the post over a weekend.
• Keep the tracking number until results are back.