ANNAPOLIS VALLEY DISTRICT HEALTH AUTHORITY
Laboratory Services Procedure
TITLE: Packing Blood, Blood Components and Plasma
Derivatives for Transport in Blood Transport Coolers
NUMBER: SOP 6.027
Date Effective: May 2005
Date Revised: May 2014
Page
1 of 12
Applies To: AVH Blood Transfusion Services
Purpose and Scope:
This will describe the procedure that will be followed for the packing of blood, blood
components and plasma derivatives during transportation. This procedure applies to the
transportation of blood, blood components and plasma derivatives that are transported for
the following reasons:
 Transportation of blood, blood components and plasma derivatives to increase
inventory in a facility due to emergency situations or to promote redistribution of short
dated products.
 Transportation of blood, blood components and plasma derivatives to transfusing
facilities from facilities providing cross-matching and/or inventory supplies. The
transfusion facilities may or may not have temperature storage devices
(refrigerators/freezers) for the blood, blood components and plasma derivatives being
transported to them.
 Transportation of returning unused crossmatched blood or blood components or
unused standby inventory.
Note: This procedure does not include the transport of blood, blood components and
plasma derivatives accompanying a patient with the possibility of transfusion during
transport to another facility. Refer to SOP 6.028 Transport of Blood, Blood Components and
Plasma Derivatives Accompanying a Patient.
Principle of the method:
To ensure proper storage temperatures are maintained throughout the transport process in
compliance with the standards. This will ensure a process of traceability for all blood, blood
components and plasma derivatives that are transported from one facility to another.
Definitions:
CBS: Canadian Blood Services
NSPBCP: Nova Scotia Provincial Blood Coordinating Program
Specimen Requirement:
N/A
Quality Control:
This is a CONTROLLED document for internal use only.
Any documents appearing in paper form are not controlled and should be checked against the electronic file version prior to use.
SOP 6.027 Packing Blood, Blood Components and Plasma Derivatives Page 2 of 12







Each blood, blood components and plasma derivative type shall be packaged in
separate containers.
Plasma derivatives are generally packaged by the manufacturer in single dose
containers and then individually packaged. If small numbers of different derivatives
are to be transported and all have the same storage requirements, they may be
packaged together for shipment.
The maximum number of red blood cells or whole blood units to be packaged in one
transport container is 10 units.
The maximum number of platelet concentrates to be packaged in one transport
container is 20 units.
Platelet concentrates shall only be transported in regular blood transport containers if
the transport delivery can occur within two hours.
Blood, blood components and plasma derivatives for transport should remain in a
temperature controlled device (Refrigerator/freezer) until such time as the transport
container has been prepared to the appropriate ambient temperature packing
scheme.
The blood, blood components and plasma derivatives should be removed from the
storage device and placed directly into the properly prepared transport container,
closed, security sealed and transported immediately.
Detection Limit (and Method Validation):
N/A
Interferences:
N/A
Equipment
J82 Transport Container:
1.75” thickness inner Styrofoam
container with lid 11.5”W x 15.1”
x 11.75”H with a heavy outer
cardboard box and strap.
E-38 Transport Container:
4” foam plug
Gel Pack (10.5”W x 9.5”H) chilled
to 4°C ± 2°C for minimum 24hrs.
2 Ice Pack (8”W x 8”H) frozen at
-8°C to -14°C for minimum 12
hours. (must be frozen solid)
Hemotemp II indicator stickers
Biosynergy temp control block
heater
Infrared Thermometer
QC
Material
Calibration
Material
Reagents
Supplies
Plastic Bag Liners
Corrugated
cardboard insert(s)
dimensions 8”x8”
Security seal device
Newsprint/packing
material
This is a CONTROLLED document for internal use only.
Any documents appearing in paper form are not controlled and should be checked against the electronic file version prior to use.
SOP 6.027 Packing Blood, Blood Components and Plasma Derivatives Page 3 of 12
Procedure:
Red Blood Cells and Blood Components (Appendix B)
Step Action
1.
Select a J-82 shipping container and Perform a visual inspection of the container by
examining the integrity of:
 Outer cardboard container and strap
 Inner Styrofoam container, ensure it is clean and dry
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Document this inspection of the transport container on LabForm 6.007 Interlab
Blood Product Transfer Form.
Remove any existing transport and destination labels if necessary.
Select appropriate destination label and attach to the outside of the transport
container
Remove the appropriate blood, blood component or plasma derivative from storage.
On LabForm 6.007 Interlab Blood Product Transfer Form record the following:
 Product Description (i.e. Red cells, IVIG etc.)
 Donor Unit Number
 ABO/Rh
 Expiry Date
Visually inspect the units for the following:
 Appearance: not black or discolored, no clots, etc.
 Expiry date
 At least one segment of integral donor tubing is attached (if possible)
 The blood bag closure is undisturbed
Document this visual inspection on LabForm 6.007 Interlab Blood Product Transfer
Form.
Have all the information verified by a second employee and sign where required.
Assign and site batch units or product if required.
If Hemotemp required (Refer to SOP 6.029 Hemotemp II) apply activated
Hemotemp to the back of each red blood cell unit and record date and time applied
on the unit sleeve. (Use these when blood is going to another District as a control
when redistributing or when being transported to a facility that does not have a
temperature monitored refrigerator)
Place all units or product to be transported into a plastic bag and secure the top.
NOTE: RBC’s may be placed upright or flat in the shipping container, ports may be
folded if necessary
Place bag of blood products back into its proper storage until transport container has
been prepared.
Prepare the transport container according to Appendix B (Packaging RBC’s for
transport)
NOTE:
 If ice packs are stored at a temperature colder than -8°C to -14°C remove ice
pack from freezer and let them sit at room temperature until a temp of -8°C to
This is a CONTROLLED document for internal use only.
Any documents appearing in paper form are not controlled and should be checked against the electronic file version prior to use.
SOP 6.027 Packing Blood, Blood Components and Plasma Derivatives Page 4 of 12
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
-14°C temperature is obtained. Approximately 10 to15 mins. Verify
temperature with an infrared thermometer before placing in the shipping
container.
 Use Gel pack that has been stored at 4°C for at least 24 hrs.
Place an ice pack with a temperature between -8°C to -14°C at each end of the
transport container. Place 2 pieces of corrugated board next to each ice pack, the
boards must be placed between ice pack and units.
Place a gel pack that has been stored at 4°C for at least 24 hrs upright at one end of
the transport container beside the cardboard inserts.
Place the bagged blood products beside the gel pack ensuring the blood products
cannot come directly into contact with the ice packs. Fill the empty space within the
transport container with newsprint. The newsprint should be stuffed between the ice
pack and the wall of the transport container. Fill any empty space above the units of
blood products as well.
Place the Styrofoam lid onto the transport container.
Contact receiving facility’s blood transfusion service and inform of impending
delivery.
Make a copy of LabForm 6.007 and keep a copy at issuing site indefinitely.
Place completed LabForm 6.007 Interlab Blood Product Transfer Form and the
site batch paper on top of Styrofoam lid.
Fold down cardboard lid, secure strap and security seal the transport container.
Do not place packaged container into refrigerator. This could cause the
temperature inside the transport box to drop below 1°C.
Transport container is ready for shipment. Transport must not exceed 2 hours of
packaging.
Platelet Concentrates (APPENDIX C)
STEP
ACTION
Select an E-38 shipping container (This container will have come with the platelets)
and perform a visual inspection of the container by examining the integrity of:
 Outer cardboard container and strap
 Inner Styrofoam container, ensure it is clean and dry
1.
 Foam plug 4 inch for platelets
2.
3.
4.
5.
Document this inspection of the transport container on LabForm 6.007 Interlab
Blood Product Transfer Form.
Remove any existing transport and destination labels if necessary.
Select appropriate destination label and attach to the outside of the transport
container
Remove the appropriate platelets from Helmer Platelet Incubator and Agitator
On LabForm 6.007 Interlab Blood Product Transfer Form list:
 Product Description (i.e. platelets)
 Donor Unit Number
This is a CONTROLLED document for internal use only.
Any documents appearing in paper form are not controlled and should be checked against the electronic file version prior to use.
SOP 6.027 Packing Blood, Blood Components and Plasma Derivatives Page 5 of 12
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
 ABO/Rh
 Expiry Date
Visually inspect the units for the following:
 Appearance
 Expiry date
 The infusion ports are undisturbed
Document this visual inspection on LabForm 6.007 Interlab Blood Product Transfer
Form.
Have all the information verified by a second employee and sign where required.
Assign and site batch units or product if required.
Prepare the transport container according to Appendix C (Packaging Platelets for
transport)
Place a gel pack that has been stored at 20°C to 24ºC for at least 24 hours across
the bottom of the transport container.
Remove platelets from incubator, place all units to be transported into a plastic bag
and secure the top. Place the bagged platelet concentrates on top of the gel pack.
Place a second gel pack that has been stored at 20°C to 24ºC for at least 24 hours
on top of the bag of platelet concentrates.
Fill remaining space in container with newsprint to prevent units from shifting and to
maintain the temperature within the transport container then push in 4” foam plug.
Place the Styrofoam lid onto the transport container.
Contact receiving facility’s blood transfusion service and inform of impending
delivery.
Make a copy of LabForm 6.007 and keep a copy at issuing site indefinitely.
Place completed LabForm 6.007 Interlab Blood Product Transfer Form and the
site batch paper on top of Styrofoam lid.
Fold down cardboard lid, secure strap and security seal transport container.
Transport container immediately. Transport must not exceed 2 hours of
packaging.
Fresh Frozen Plasma and Cryoprecipitate (APPENDIX D)
STEP
ACTION
Select a J-82 shipping container and Perform a visual inspection of the container by
examining the integrity of:
 Outer cardboard container and strap
1.
 Inner Styrofoam container, ensure it is clean and dry
2.
3.
4.
Document this inspection of the transport container on LabForm 6.007 Interlab
Blood Product Transfer Form.
Remove any existing transport and destination labels if necessary.
Select appropriate destination label and attach to the outside of the transport
container
Label outside of transport container with label stating “Contains dry ice”. Labels
located in accessioning.
This is a CONTROLLED document for internal use only.
Any documents appearing in paper form are not controlled and should be checked against the electronic file version prior to use.
SOP 6.027 Packing Blood, Blood Components and Plasma Derivatives Page 6 of 12
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Remove the appropriate Apherisis Fresh Frozen Plasma, Fresh Frozen Plasma,
Frozen Plasma or cryoprecipitate from the freezer.
On LabForm 6.007 Interlab Blood Product Transfer Form list:
 Product Description
 Donor Unit Number
 ABO
 Expiry Date
Visually inspect the units for the following:
 Appearance
 Expiry date
Document this visual inspection on LabForm 6.007 Interlab Blood Product Transfer
Form.
Have all the information verified by a second employee and sign where required.
Assign and site batch units or product if required.
Place all units of fresh frozen plasma/cryoprecipitate into the transport container.
Surround units with enough dry ice to ensure units will remain frozen and will not
shift during transport.
Place the Styrofoam lid onto the transport container.
Contact receiving facility’s blood transfusion service and inform of impending
delivery.
Make a copy of LabForm 6.007 and keep a copy at issuing site indefinitely.
Place completed LabForm 6.007 Interlab Blood Product Transfer Form and the
site batch paper on top of Styrofoam lid.
Fold down cardboard lid, secure strap and security seal transport container.
Transport container immediately. Transport must not exceed 2 hours of
packaging.
Calculation of Results:
N/A
Results Reporting:
N/A
Safety:
N/A
Literature References:




Brecher, Mark E, ed. Technical Manual, 14th edition. Bethesda, MD: American
Association of Blood Banks, 2002
Canadian Blood Services Halifax Centre Shipment of blood and blood products:
Labeling and packing red cells and whole blood, Appendix 1.
CSA Standard Z902-04 Blood and blood components. Mississauga, ON: Canadian
Standards Association, March 2004.
CSTM Standards for Hospital Transfusion Services, Version 1. Ottawa, ON:
Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine, 2004.
This is a CONTROLLED document for internal use only.
Any documents appearing in paper form are not controlled and should be checked against the electronic file version prior to use.
SOP 6.027 Packing Blood, Blood Components and Plasma Derivatives Page 7 of 12

Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services: 22nd edition. American
Association of Blood Banks, 2003.
Adapted from:
Capital District Health Authority SOP Manual
Written by: Victoria Hurlburt, Laboratory Standards Coordinator, QEII
Date: 2004 December
ATTACHMENTS
A. Packaging Configuration for Blood Transport Containers
B. Interlab Blood Product Transfer LabForm 6.007
Notes:

The shaded patient information area of the Interlab Blood Product Transfer LabForm
6.007 should only be completed when blood, blood components and plasma
derivatives are being transported with a patient who may require transfusion during
transport. Refer to Refer to SOP 6.028 Transportation of Blood, Blood Components
and Plasma Derivatives Accompanying a Patient.

Blood, blood components and plasma derivatives that are transported with a patient
with the intent to be transfused at the receiving facility should be packaged according
to procedures described above. The shaded patient information area of the Interlab
Blood Product Transfer LabForm 6.007 should not be completed and a security seal
must be place on the transport container.
Related Documents:
Document #
SOP 6.028
LabForm 6.007
SOP 6.029
Document Name
Transport of Blood, Blood Components and Plasma Derivatives
Accompanying a Patient
Interlab Blood Product Transfer
HemoTemp II
Approved by:
NAME & SIGNATURE
Dr B Jollymore
DATE
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR OF LABORATORY
Ellen McKnight (Interim)
SERVICES
Replaces:
Revision History:
Written by
Revised/reviewed by
Revised/reviewed by
Ellen McKnight MLT Sr. Tech.
Gail Spidle MLT Sr. Tech.
Gail Spidle MLT Sr. Tech.
May 26, 2005
December 15, 2009
March 14, 2014
This is a CONTROLLED document for internal use only.
Any documents appearing in paper form are not controlled and should be checked against the electronic file version prior to use.
SOP 6.027 Packing Blood, Blood Components and Plasma Derivatives Page 8 of 12
Revised/reviewed by
Revised/reviewed by
Gail Spidle MLT Sr. Tech.
May 2014
DATE REMOVED FROM SERVICE:
This is a CONTROLLED document for internal use only.
Any documents appearing in paper form are not controlled and should be checked against the electronic file version prior to use.
SOP 6.027 Packing Blood, Blood Components and Plasma Derivatives Page 9 of 12
APPENDIX B: Packaging Blood for Transport
NSPBCP packaging configuration as per CBS packing configuration for RBC’s for transport
when ambient temperature is greater than or equal to 0°C and if ambient temperature is less
than 0°C.
NOTE:
 RBC’s are to be placed in a sealed plastic bag prior to packaging.
 Ice packs used must be between -8°C to -14°C.
 Transport requirements are between 1°C to 10°C.
This is a CONTROLLED document for internal use only.
Any documents appearing in paper form are not controlled and should be checked against the electronic file version prior to use.
SOP 6.027 Packing Blood, Blood Components and Plasma Derivatives Page 10 of
12
APPENDIX C: Packaging Platelets for Transport
NSPBCP packaging configuration as per CBS for platelets, apherisis, LR and platelets
pooled LR with E-38 containers and materials.
Transportation requirements between 20°C to 24°C
If shipping…
1-4 units of platelets
Then place…
2 gel packs (20°C to 24°C) on
bottom of transport box.
And…
1 gel pack (20°C to 24°C) on top
followed by a 4” foam plug.
5-6 units of platelets
1 gel pack (20°C to 24°C) on
bottom of transport box.
1 gel pack (20°C to 24°C) on top
followed by a 4” foam plug.
Pack to simulate a full shipment by pushing the 4” foam plug into the container to meet the
gel pack, packing tightly to minimize the air space.
This is a CONTROLLED document for internal use only.
Any documents appearing in paper form are not controlled and should be checked against the electronic file version prior to use.
SOP 6.027 Packing Blood, Blood Components and Plasma Derivatives Page 11 of
12
APPENDIX D: Packaging for Frozen Transport
NSPBCP packaging configuration as per CBS for Fresh Frozen Plasma and Cryoprecipitate
with J-82 shipping container and dry ice.
Shipping Fresh Frozen Plasma/Cryoprecipitate
J82 Shipping Container
NOTE:
 Remove individual plasma boxes prior to packaging for shipping.
 Pack to simulate a full shipment by surrounding units with dry ice.
 Label outside of transport container with label stating “CONTAINS DRY ICE”
 Previously frozen products once thawed must be shipped at the current storage
temperature. (Thawed plasma would be shipped using Appendix B to achieve
transport conditions between 1°C to 10°C)
This is a CONTROLLED document for internal use only.
Any documents appearing in paper form are not controlled and should be checked against the electronic file version prior to use.
SOP 6.027 Packing Blood, Blood Components and Plasma Derivatives Page 12 of
12
This is a CONTROLLED document for internal use only.
Any documents appearing in paper form are not controlled and should be checked against the electronic file version prior to use.