Couriers must also be aware of transportation temperature requirements for the specimens they are handling and delivering. This includes ensuring that outer containers are properly labeled. For example, suppose specimens must be maintained frozen during transportation. In that case, the courier must ensure that the box containing the frozen specimens is labeled "Keep Frozen" or some other way that indicates this specimen requirement.
You must become familiar with the two commonly used temperature scales and understand the differences between the Fahrenheit (F) and Celsius (C) or Centigrade scales and the symbols which will designate them in courier transportation policies, procedures, and written memos.
- Fahrenheit (F): Commonly used for thermometers throughout the United States for outdoor and indoor use (such as thermometers to measure a fever).
- Celsius (C): Historically, this scale is called Centigrade, but the terms are used interchangeably. Celsius is more commonly used outside the United States (US) when referring to temperature, but it is frequently used when referring to laboratory temperatures in the US.
Sometimes the numerical temperature will be followed by a superscript circle. This is the symbol for the word “degree,” which is then followed either by the letter “F” if the temperature is Fahrenheit or the letter “C” if the temperature is Celsius/Centigrade.
| For example: 86°F = 86 degrees Fahrenheit 23°C = 23 degrees Celsius/Centigrade |
Types of Temperature Ranges for Medical Specimens
- Ambient or Room
- Refrigerator
- Body
- Freezer
