Standard Operating Procedure for Transport of Plasma Samples to Bioanalytical Lab
Department | BA-BE Studies |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/BA-BE/094/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/BA-BE/094/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of 9 |
Issue Date | 17/04/2025 |
Effective Date | 20/04/2025 |
Review Date | 17/04/2026 |
1. Purpose
To define a standardized and compliant procedure for the transport of plasma samples collected during BA/BE studies from the clinical site to the designated bioanalytical laboratory, maintaining sample integrity, cold chain, and traceability throughout the process.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all personnel involved in the packaging, labeling, documentation, and physical transport of plasma samples during
BA/BE clinical studies conducted at the research facility.
3. Responsibilities
- Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC): Coordinates labeling and documentation of samples for dispatch.
- Sample Handler/Technician: Ensures proper packaging, temperature monitoring, and handover to courier or internal transport team.
- Quality Assurance (QA): Reviews sample transport logs and ensures adherence to SOP.
- Transport Personnel: Ensures safe delivery and documentation of receipt at the bioanalytical lab.
4. Accountability
The Principal Investigator (PI) is accountable for ensuring that plasma samples are transported under validated conditions without compromising quality or traceability.
5. Procedure
5.1 Sample Preparation and Packaging
- Ensure all plasma samples are properly aliquoted, labeled with:
- Study ID
- Subject ID
- Timepoint
- Visit date
- Place labeled samples in cryoboxes and wrap with absorbent material.
- Insert cryoboxes into validated cold chain transport containers pre-chilled to -20°C or as per protocol.
- Include a temperature monitoring device (e.g., data logger or freeze tag).
5.2 Documentation
- Prepare Annexure-1: Plasma Sample Dispatch Form containing:
- Study code, sample IDs, timepoints, and box details
- Transporter’s name and signature
- Place a copy inside the transport container and retain one copy at site.
5.3 Transport Conditions
- Ensure containers are validated for maintaining required temperature for the expected transport duration.
- Mark the box with:
- “Human Biological Samples – Handle with Care”
- “Maintain Cold Chain”
- Ensure transit time is minimized and direct delivery is preferred.
5.4 Receipt and Handover at Bioanalytical Lab
- Upon arrival, the receiving lab staff verifies:
- Seals and label integrity
- Sample condition and quantity
- Temperature log compliance
- Receiving person signs Annexure-2: Sample Receipt Acknowledgment Form.
5.5 Deviations and Excursions
- If temperature excursion or sample damage is observed:
- Document incident in Annexure-3: Sample Transport Deviation Log
- Inform QA and PI immediately
6. Abbreviations
- BA: Bioavailability
- BE: Bioequivalence
- CRC: Clinical Research Coordinator
- QA: Quality Assurance
- PI: Principal Investigator
7. Documents
- Plasma Sample Dispatch Form – Annexure-1
- Sample Receipt Acknowledgment Form – Annexure-2
- Sample Transport Deviation Log – Annexure-3
8. References
- ICH E6(R2) – Good Clinical Practice
- WHO Guidance on Transport of Infectious Substances
- Study Protocol and Bioanalytical SOPs
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Plasma Sample Dispatch Form
Study Code | Box ID | Sample IDs | Date | Sent By | Signature |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BE/2025/094 | BOX-01 | VOL-101 to VOL-110 | 17/04/2025 | Sunita Reddy | Signed |
Annexure-2: Sample Receipt Acknowledgment Form
Date Received | Received By | Sample Condition | Seal Intact | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|
17/04/2025 | Ajay Verma | Acceptable | Yes | Transport validated |
Annexure-3: Sample Transport Deviation Log
Date | Box ID | Deviation | Action Taken | Notified To |
---|---|---|---|---|
17/04/2025 | BOX-02 | Temperature > -15°C | Samples quarantined | QA & PI |
Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Details | Reason | Approved By |
---|---|---|---|---|
10/01/2022 | 1.0 | Initial Release | Study Start | QA Head |
17/04/2025 | 2.0 | Added deviation log and updated documentation forms | Audit Compliance | QA Head |