Regulatory Documents

The transportation of live organs and blood on U6 flights is carried out in accordance with:

  1. The current legislation of the Russian Federation, as well as the legislation of the countries of import, export, transit, and transfer;
  2. U6 standards and procedures.

Classification

A cargo unit may contain:

  1. Live human organs, their parts, tissues and/or other medical materials for transplantation — for example, kidneys, heart valves, eye lenses (hereinafter referred to as human organs);
  2. Medical materials for research and testing;
  3. Blood and derivatives / plasma.

Important. Blood may only be transported within the territory of the Russian Federation.

Note. Some medical materials for research and testing may be classified as dangerous goods and must be transported in accordance with dangerous goods transport regulations.

Responsibility of the Shipper and the Carrier

The shipper is responsible for the contents, packaging, and transport documentation.

The consignee of such cargo — human organs — may only be specialized medical institutions and hospitals.

The carrier or its authorized representative guarantees the integrity of the packaging in accordance with these procedures from the moment the cargo is accepted for transportation until delivery to the consignee at the destination. Timely delivery of the cargo may save a patient’s life. Transportation and handling of cargo containing medical materials for research and testing does not require priority. Priority is requested by the shipper and specified in the air waybill.

Note. The carrier transporting human organs is not responsible for the integrity of the container, which may be damaged for reasons beyond the carrier’s control. For example: changes in pressure, ambient temperature, and other factors that may occur during the flight.

Transport Documentation

  1. Cargo shipments containing human organs must not include heterogeneous items or goods;
  2. In the “Description and quantity of goods” field — HUMAN KIDNEY and the LHO IMP code must be indicated;
  3. In the “Cargo handling information” field — the consignee’s 24-hour contact phone number and all additional instructions.

Packaging and Handling Requirements

When transporting human organs, it is required to:

  1. Pack in suitable internal packaging — a polyethylene bag (usually multilayer) containing a preservation solution and immunological material (packed separately);
  2. Pack in suitable external packaging — a bag packed with ice and placed in a special transport container:
    • Sufficiently strong, safe, and insulated packaging (usually polystyrene); human organs must not be frozen, but low temperature is required during transportation;
    • Human tissues must be packed according to individual requirements in sterile, waterproof packaging;
  3. The transport container must be properly labeled (this requirement also applies to medical materials):
    • The contents of the container must be indicated, for example HUMAN KIDNEY;
    • Labeled with a “Medical Supply” sign on two opposite sides of the container; labeling is the responsibility of the shipper or authorized agent (if applicable); duplicate labels may be used;
    • Additional emergency action information is also required;
  4. Cargo containing human organs is recommended to be handled and transported as quickly as possible; human organs intended for transplantation must be delivered to the consignee within a maximum of 24 hours:
    • Cargo should be accepted for transportation immediately before the flight; such cargo is given priority in handling and transportation, with the highest level of awareness at all stages;
    • This cargo requires careful handling (there is a risk of irreversible spoilage of the contents) and maximum prevention of possible damage due to falling, compression, or shaking;
    • Maintaining sterility of the contents — opening the container is prohibited under any circumstances during transport;
    • Security control restrictions;
    • It is prohibited to store in a warehouse or leave unprocessed even for a short period; after acceptance procedures, the cargo must be immediately placed on the aircraft;
    • Requires special loading and transportation procedures in a separate cargo compartment;
  5. Cargo must be transported only on U6 flights (interline transportation on any segment is prohibited).
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Medical supply