Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for transporting materials which are potentially hazardous in primary containers, especially biological materials. The device comprises an enclosure having a top that snapably locks into a body to prevent removal of the top after it is placed into the body. The body includes a grasping flange which can be engaged and pulled along a spiralling line of weakness to rip open a top portion of the body section which does not directly house the specimen containers. The inside of the shipping container includes a resilient material to cushion any shock that the shipping container might undergo. The resilient material is preferably highly absorbent and is impregnated with one or more of several visual indicators, so that in the unlikely event a primary specimen container breaks, its contents will be absorbed, held inside the shipping container, and even the casual observer will be aware that a specimen leak has occurred.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and device for transporting hazardous materials, especially materials such as biological samples contained in vials. The device comprises an enclosure having a top that locks onto a body section so as to substantially preclude removal of the top after it is in place on the body. The body section includes a tab which can be grasped and pulled along a line of weakness to rip open the device once it reaches its destination. The inside of the enclosure including the top is lined with a resilient material along with a moisture impervious outer liner. The resilient material is preferably highly liquid absorbing and is impregnated with a germicidal/pesticidal substance so that in the unlikely event the container breaks its contents will be absorbed and contained within the protective enclosure.