Ask the Expert Question:
Can blue ice be used to ship samples to the laboratory?
Expert Response:
The requirement is to receive environmental samples at 6 degrees Celsius. Any means that can ensure the 6 degree requirement would be suitable. However, it has been demonstrated that blue ice or cooler packs are very poor at lowering sample temperatures to the 6 degree requirement when the sample temperatures upon collection already exceed that temperature. This can result with sample temperatures being above the required temperature when received at the laboratory.
Ice however, will lower sample temperatures even when collected above the desired temperature if there is sufficient contact time between collection and receipt at the laboratory, and when there is sufficient ice to last the journey to the lab. Also, if the trip to the lab is short in duration, it may be necessary to chill the samples in the field prior to packing them for shipment. Therefore, Ice is the preferred cooling mechanism, and some local enforcement bodies make it a requirement.
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