A 95 kPa specimen transport bag is a secondary packaging component rated to withstand a pressure differential of at least 95 kilopascals, which is the UN3373 Category B requirement for liquids travelling by air. Ontario and Manitoba laboratories both receive specimens under the federal Transport of Dangerous Goods regulations, so the bag is a compliance item rather than a preference. The pressure rating protects against leakage if a shipment is exposed to altitude or handling changes.
What is a 95 kPa specimen transport bag?
It is a flexible secondary package that holds the primary specimen container and survives the 95 kPa pressure differential test, which is set out in the UN Model Regulations and carried into Canada through the Transport of Dangerous Goods Regulations. The bag pairs an inner receptacle that holds the sample with an outer layer that resists puncture and seals shut. A certified bag is tested as a system, so the rating applies to the bag, not to any single container placed inside it.
Why do Ontario and Manitoba labs ask for 95 kPa bags?
Both provinces move specimens between collection sites, reference labs and public health facilities, and any shipment that crosses a provincial or international boundary can fall under the air-transport rules. A 95 kPa secondary package keeps a Category B shipment compliant without the sender having to qualify a new outer box each time. The requirement applies to the packaging system rather than to the province, which is why the same bag works for a Toronto clinic and a Winnipeg lab.
How does a 95 kPa bag differ from a 3-wall bag?
The two solve related problems with different construction. A 95 kPa bag is tested against a defined pressure differential and carries that certification, while a 3-wall bag adds layered absorbent material to contain a leak and protect the sample. Neither is automatically a substitute for the other, because certification and absorbency are separate properties. The table below sets out where each fits.
| Bag type | Construction | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 95 kPa specimen bag | Pressure-rated secondary packaging | UN3373 Category B shipments by air |
| 3-wall transport bag | Absorbent wall plus outer layer | Leak containment for routine local transport |
What labelling does UN3373 Category B require?
The outer package needs the UN3373 marking and the words "Biological Substance, Category B", along with the name and phone number of a responsible person. The primary receptacle must be leakproof, and any absorbent material must be enough to take the full contents of the primary container. A 95 kPa-certified specimen bag or a 3-wall transport bag gives the shipment the secondary packaging layer the rules expect.
Ordering for a clinic, lab or care home? Wholesale and multi-site ordering covers case pricing and account setup, and the B2B wholesale collection lists the lines stocked for institutional buyers.
Related Reading
- Case Review: A Winnipeg Lab's 95 kPa Specimen Bag Audit
- 95 kPa Specimen Bags vs 3-Wall Transport Bags
Not sure which consumable fits your set-up? Start with the BI 5-pack trial (CA $12.99, shipping included).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 95 kPa mean on a specimen transport bag?
It means the secondary package is rated to withstand a pressure differential of at least 95 kilopascals, the UN3373 Category B requirement for liquids by air.
Do Ontario and Manitoba require 95 kPa specimen bags?
Both provinces move specimens under the federal Transport of Dangerous Goods Regulations, so a pressure-rated secondary package is a compliance item.
Is a 3-wall bag the same as a 95 kPa bag?
No, a 95 kPa bag is pressure-rated while a 3-wall bag adds absorbent layers, and certification and absorbency are separate properties.
CliniEco Medical is a licensed medical device establishment (MDEL #35334).
0 commentaire