Biological Specimen Transportation Requirements for Culture and DST

Some logistics should be available in all National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) laboratories so that biological samples including sputum can be correctly transported to nearby Culture and Drug Susceptibility Testing (CDST) laboratories. The logistics required for packaging biological specimens are: 

1. Falcon tubes
2. Three-layer packing materials like thermocol box
3. Ice gel pack (pre-frozen at -20^oC for 48 hours)
4. Request for CDST forms
5. Polythene bags
6. Tissue paper roll for absorbent packing
7. Parafilm tapes
8. Brown tape for packing the thermocol box
9. Permanent marker pen
10. Labels with 'To' and 'From' address and blank labels for sample details 
11. Biohazard sticker
12. Scissors
13. Spirit swab 

Figure: Logistics needed for packaging of biological specimens for CDST laboratory; Source: Guidelines for Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB in India, 2021

Resources

• Training Module (1-4) for Program Managers and Medical Officer, NTEP, MoHFW, 2020.
• Guidelines for Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB in India, 2021.

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