(1) You must place specimens of blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) in an appropriate container that prevents leakage during collection, handling, processing, storage, transport, or shipping.

(2) You must make sure the container is properly labeled or color-coded and closed before being stored, transported, or shipped.

(a) If outside contamination of the container occurs, the container must be placed inside a second container that prevents leakage and is properly labeled or color-coded;

(b) If the specimen could puncture the container, the container must be placed inside a second container that:

(i) Is puncture-resistant;

(ii) Prevents leakage during handling, processing, storage, transport, or shipping;

(iii) Is properly labeled or color-coded.

EXEMPTIONS:	1. When your facility handles all specimens using universal precautions or other equivalent infection control systems, you don't have to label/color-code specimens as long as the containers can be recognized as containing specimens.
	2. This exemption only applies while these specimens/containers remain within the facility. Proper labeling or color-coding is required when specimens/containers leave the facility.

Reference:

Requirements for appropriate labels and color-coding are found in WAC 296-823-14025.

Helpful tool:

Guidance on the handling and storage of criminal evidence

This tool contains information about the handling and storage of criminal evidence. Criminal evidence contaminated with blood or OPIM is considered a specimen under the scope of this chapter. You can find a copy of this tool in the resource section of this chapter.

PDFWAC 296-823-14045

Place specimens in an appropriate container.