FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
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Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-95/29

Title and Subtitle: An Economical Alternative For the Secondary Container Used For Transporting Infectious Disease Substances

Report Date: December 1995

Authors: Mandella, J.G. Jr., and Garner, R.P.

Abstract: The safe containment of biological specimens during air transport is of growing concern as the number of shipments and hazards associated with such material increases. The purpose of this study was to examine the durability of adhesive-closure polyethylene (PE) bags upon exposure to altitude. The tests consisted of two phases. The objective of the first phase was to identify the most appropriate combination of bag composition, thickness, and size. The second phase was to determine the most appropriate packing techniques to be used with the bag best suited for air transport.

Both phases consisted of a hypobaric chamber being taken to a simulated altitude of 45,000 feet. The PE bags contained specimens packaged in Intentional Air Transportation Association approved containers. Initial tests indicated that differences in material composition and thickness did not significantly alter the ability of the PE bags to withstand the pressure differential. The second test phase suggested that the most effective means of preventing bag rupture upon exposure to altitude was to use oversized bags, evacuated of any residual air as completely as possible.

Key Words: Medical specimens, Transport, Infectious substances, Flight inspection, Anthropometry, IATA, ICAO, Workstation design

No. of Pages: 6