Shipping time-sensitive, perishable medical materials is often a logistical challenge. Requiring priority handling and tracking en route to final destinations. From hazardous materials for research labs to critical pharmaceuticals as well as supplies for health care facilities, these medical shipments have specific packaging and label requirements to ensure they meet federal standards. The mishandling or loss of these medical shipments results in a financial loss to businesses. And possible health risks to those who depend on their timely delivery.
Pharmaceuticals are shipped globally and carry unique packaging requirements. Including custom corrugated shipping boxes, biodegradable air pillows, absorbents, as well as United Nations-compliant hazmat shipping labels. Health facilities and pharmacies rely on accurate shipping and tracking. As do many patients receiving prescriptions directly from online pharmacies.
Temperature-controlled shipping is critical to pharmaceuticals. Making them time-sensitive to reach their destinations. As a result, proper precautions are implemented to prevent spoilage. These safety measures include packing the items in dry ice. Or refrigerant gel packs and using insulated Styrofoam coolers to keep the items temperature-controlled.
Labeling also plays a critical role in pharmaceutical shipments. Labeling formats often vary in each country or region. And present challenges to many companies as they struggle to keep pace with changing regulations. The 2013 Drug Supply Chain Security Act requires pharmaceutical companies to furnish serialization and traceability information. As a result, the technology used for data tracking has evolved to meet these standards. The introduction of two-dimensional (2D) barcode labeling and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags has forced companies to develop new systems. Or outsource labeling and tracking tasks.
Changes in types of packaging have a direct impact on the type of labeling used. The switch to plastic packaging raises concerns about label adhesive chemicals seeping through to the medications. Biotech drugs as well as sterile liquids are especially prone to this damage.
Research and medical lab shipment security are major priorities. Since packages contain irreplaceable specimens for examination as well as testing. Specimen losses due to inaccurate package tracking can also have potential legal implications. Since several agencies strictly regulate them. Non-compliance penalties start at $250K for individual offenses and can run as high as $500K for organizations.
Specimens classified as infectious substances are required to use package labeling identifying them as either Class A or Class B substances. These categories are dependent on exposure risks and contain the following information.
Class A Labeling
Class B Labeling
Patient specimens carry minimal dangers. The packaging must be marked "Exempt human specimen" or "Exempt animal specimen."
Required safety labeling of pharmaceutical as well as medical specimen packaging protects handlers from harmful exposure. However, senders should also implement the following measures to assure accurate tracking and delivery.
Third-party label and tracking systems are often used to ensure that sensitive pharmaceuticals, as well as lab shipments, are delivered on a timely basis. These third-party companies provide solutions that integrate with carriers. And provide a host of features to monitor critical deliveries.
Notifii Track uses cloud-based software that provides management for time-sensitive medical shipments. Essential features such as an OCR tool and photo capture for package tracking closely monitors the status of deliveries. Other valuable features include the following:
Careful attention in the delivery of hazardous materials, lab specimens, and pharmaceuticals is critical. Since improperly documented and packaged items pose serious safety consequences. The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased the volume of these packages. As patients send and receive lab-related items and medications. Third-party tracking and monitoring is a proven valuable asset that can help ensure there are no lapses in these critical deliveries.
Notifii's web and cloud-based package management software assists companies in managing the last-mile delivery of time-sensitive materials. The intuitive application saves time on tracking deliveries through instant notification of package status.
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