Abstract: An apparatus for packaging and shipping biological fluid samples collected in vials is disclosed. The apparatus includes an absorbent body for supporting a plurality of vials, a packaging container for surrounding and protecting the absorbent body when at least one of the vials is received and supported therein, a shipping container for surrounding and protecting at least one of the packaging containers and a shipping carton for surrounding and protecting the shipping container during shipment from a facility where the biological samples are collected to a facility for analyzing the biological samples. The apparatus in accordance with the invention is particularly useful in clinical drug trials, phases 1 to 4. The apparatus is designed to be used with robotic analyzers which automatically locate and remove the vials from the absorbent body in a predefined order in accordance with an index associated with the top surface of the body.

Abstract: A container for packaging vials containing diagnostic specimens, or the like, which are to be mailed or transported. The container includes an open-topped plastic cylinder with an integral bottom wall having an upper section of the sidewall which is of a reduced diameter and includes opposed outwardly projecting lugs for engaging complementary slots in a cylindrical cap for the container. The upper section of the sidewall further includes a radial groove which accommodates an elastic O-ring for providing a leak proof seal for the container. The cap slides over the upper section of the sidewall and sealingly engages the O-ring to provide a leak-proof seal. The container is further provided with an open celled plastic foam insert which die-cut to accommodate up to three vials.