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speed post) with apan district presence should be identified for this purpose. Two
innovative models forspecimen collection and transport using fresh samples in falcon
tubes to be transported incold chain using gel packs and their technical
specifications have been developed by Gujarat(from peripheral DMCs) and Andhra
Pradesh (from high burden DMCs at TUs/DTCs).
All states and districts should establish sample transport system in cold chain
irrespective ofthe time taken for transport considering the hot climatic conditions in
most of the statesduring most of the year. An appropriate courier / speed post
service with pan district presenceshould be identified and contracted by the DTO of
every district for prompt transport of thespecimen cold box on the same day from the
DMC linked to the courier / speed post office inthe locality to the assigned RNTCP-
certified C-DST laboratory.
The following points are critical for the collection of fresh sputum samples at DMCs:
The falcon tubes and the 3 layer packing materials like thermocol box, ice gel
pack (pre-freezed at -20 degree for 48 hours), request for C-DST forms,
polythene bags, tissue paper roll as absorbent, para-film tapes, brown tape for
packaging box, permanent marker pen,labels, bio-hazard sticker, scissors, spirit
swab etc. should be supplied to the DMCs forcollection of sputum through the
DTO.
The falcon tubes should carry a label indicating the date of collection of the
samples andthe patient’s details like name, date of sample collection, name of
DMC/DTC, Lab. No:-XYZ, specimen A or B
The Lab technicians at DMCs should be trained to carefully pack the sputum
samples in thecold box to avoid spillage of the samples.
The LT of DMC issuing the falcon tubes to the patients should also give clear
instructionsto the patients on correct technique of collection of the sputum. Also
the date of issue of thefalcon tubes to the patient should be recorded.
The LT of the DMC should ensure that the request for C-DST form is packed in a
separateplastic zip pouch and placed in the cold box before sealing the lid of the
box. Also, the biohazardsymbol should be pasted on the external side of the cold
box along with the labelindicating the postal address of the RNTCP-certified C-
DST Lab assigned.
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