Inside of Your Lab

Primary containers that have lids are acceptable for moving biological materials within your own lab. Ideally, the container should not break or open if accidentally dropped.

Outside of Your Lab (Same Floor)

Moving biological samples or materials outside of your lab requires secondary containment. The primary containers should be placed inside of a secondary container with a lid (a tupperware-type container may work well). The secondary container should be sturdy enough that it will not break, open, or leak if accidentally dropped. The container should be made of a material that is easy to decontaminate.

Secondary containers must be decontaminated before being removed from the laboratory.

Outside of Your Floor or Building

Moving biological samples or materials to a different floor or building also requires tertiary containment. The secondary container (as described above) should be enclosed in a tertiary container that will not break, open, or leak if accidentally dropped. (An igloo-type cooler may work well). The container should be made of a material that is easy to decontaminate.

Tertiary containers must be decontaminated before being removed from the laboratory.

PPE

PPE should never be worn to transport samples or materials outside of your lab. Decontaminate the outside of your containers before you leave the lab.

Bring new PPE with you to put on once you arrive at your destination.