Question: How should specimens be shipped to maintain the correct temperature?

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions about Biosafety and COVID-19
section_headers: Specimen Packing and Shipping
Once packaging of the samples is complete should staff members decontaminate the work area?
section_content: Decontaminate work surfaces and equipment with appropriate disinfectants. Use
EPA-registered hospital disinfectants with label claims to be effective
against SARS-CoV-2external icon. Follow
manufacturer’s recommendations for use, such as dilution, contact time, and
safe handling.
For additional information, refer to the following:

Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings
Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Compared to the other answers, it feels like this one doesn't tell you enough. It only briefly touches on what you should do but there are links so that's good
This is about decontaminating surfaces, not about shipping specimens.

Reviewer ratings:
Could be Improved
Bad

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions about Biosafety and COVID-19
section_headers: Specimen Packing and Shipping
At what temperature should specimens be shipped?
section_content: Specimens should be shipped at 2-8oC with ice packs. If the specimen is
frozen, ship overnight on dry ice. The primary receptacle and the secondary
packaging should maintain their integrity at the temperature of the
refrigerant used as well as the temperatures and the pressures which could
result if refrigeration were lost. Packages containing dry ice should be
designed and constructed so as to prevent the buildup of pressure and to allow
the release of gas that could rupture the packaging.
For additional information, refer to the following:

CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panelexternal icon
Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
This does a great job answering the question with more detail directly. There is also links to more information in case people weren't satisfied with what was provided
This explains in detail how to ship the specimens, what to use to keep them cool, and how quickly specimens should be shipped depending on whether they are frozen or not.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions about Biosafety and COVID-19
section_headers: Specimen Handling
How should specimens be stored?
section_content: Store specimens at 2-8oC for up to 72 hours after collection. If a delay
occurs in extraction, store specimens at -70oC or lower. Store extracted
nucleic acid samples at -70oC or lower.
For additional information, refer to the following:

Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings
CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panelexternal icon


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
This gives a very detailed, albeit brief, response. However it does link to more information which is certainly useful here.
This says what the correct temperature is, but not how to maintain it during shipping.

Reviewer ratings:
Acceptable
Bad