Toxicology Storage and Shipping

Storage:

• Samples for all impaired driving cases (alcohol, drug, per se, DRE) and Toxicology Sexual Assault Evidence Kits (SAEK) should be refrigerated and not frozen to avoid breakage of glass containers.

• Other toxicology samples stored in glass containers may be prone to breakage when frozen, particularly when containers are full. However, do not open sample containers to remove excess volume. When over-filling is a concern, consider refrigeration and prompt laboratory submission.

• Other toxicology samples not stored in glass may be safely frozen.

Shipping:

• Refer to Transport Canada regulations on Shipping Infectious Substances - https://tc.canada.ca/en/dangerous-goods/shipping-infectious-substances

• Biohazardous samples should be packaged in a way to prevent breakage/leakage in transit. This can be achieved by using crush proof containers and by including absorbent material in the package (should breakage occur).

• Samples should be kept as cold as possible during transit; insulated containers and non-rigid ice packs can be used to achieve this.

• Shipping bodily fluids (blood, urine, etc.) at a time which may lead to samples remaining idle in transit should be avoided (e.g. avoid shipping on Fridays or just prior to a holiday). Same day or overnight delivery is recommended.