Let’s Dive into Com-Pac Infecon 3000 Infectious Substance Shipper, Com-Pac INF-3000 Infecon 3000 Infectious Substance Shipper
The Com-Pac Infecon 3000 Infectious Substance Shipper, Com-Pac INF-3000 Infecon 3000 Infectious Substance Shipper isn’t exactly the kind of gear that gets your pulse racing like a new hunting knife or tactical backpack, but its importance in a specific niche cannot be overstated. Manufactured by Com-Pac, this system is designed for the safe and compliant transport of infectious substances, meeting stringent international standards. It features a robust, leak-proof primary container, absorbent materials, and a durable outer box, ensuring the safe containment of potentially hazardous materials.
My journey to the Com-Pac Infecon 3000 started during a stint providing medical support for a remote research team in the Amazon. We needed a reliable and certified way to transport samples back to the States for analysis. The Com-Pac Infecon 3000 stood out because of its UN Class 6.2 certification and compliance with IATA and DOT regulations.
Upon unboxing, the Com-Pac Infecon 3000 impressed me with its no-nonsense, professional design. The components felt sturdy and well-made, especially the liquid-tight vessel with its quarter-turn, stop-lock lid. The inclusion of absorbent sheets and a compartmentalized bubble pouch signaled that Com-Pac takes containment and safety seriously.
I considered other options, such as individual components sourced from different suppliers, but the integrated design and certification of the Com-Pac Infecon 3000 provided peace of mind. Competing products lacked the same level of assurance regarding compliance and safety. I was impressed by its completeness; everything you needed was in the box.
My first impression was relief – relief that I had found a solution that seemed genuinely capable of handling a critical and sensitive task. It wasn’t exciting, but rather reassuring, which is precisely what you want when dealing with infectious substances.
Real-World Testing: Putting Com-Pac Infecon 3000 Infectious Substance Shipper, Com-Pac INF-3000 Infecon 3000 Infectious Substance Shipper to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real-world test involved shipping several samples from our Amazonian field lab to a diagnostic facility in the US. The environment was challenging, with high humidity, fluctuating temperatures, and rough handling during transport. Using the Com-Pac Infecon 3000 was surprisingly straightforward; the included instructions were clear, and the system was intuitive to assemble.
The shipper performed admirably in those harsh conditions. The liquid-tight vessel remained sealed, and the absorbent materials effectively contained any potential leaks. I did not experience any issues or surprises during the first use, which gave me more confidence in the product.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the following months, we used several Com-Pac Infecon 3000 systems to ship samples collected during our field research. Each shipment traveled thousands of miles, encountering diverse conditions ranging from tropical heat to refrigerated transport. The shippers held up remarkably well, showing no signs of structural weakness or compromised containment.
Durability has been exceptional; even after multiple uses (with replacement components, of course), the outer boxes retained their integrity. Cleaning and maintaining the reusable components, such as the vessel, was simple. The Com-Pac Infecon 3000 outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Com-Pac Infecon 3000 Infectious Substance Shipper, Com-Pac INF-3000 Infecon 3000 Infectious Substance Shipper
Specifications
1L (0.26gal.) Liquid-Tight Vessel: This is the primary containment vessel, designed to hold the infectious substance. Its ability to withstand up to 95kPa of pressure is crucial for air transport.
Autoclavable Vessel: The vessel can be sterilized using an autoclave, allowing for safe reuse after proper decontamination. This is a significant cost-saving feature for laboratories with autoclaving capabilities.
Quarter-Turn, Stop-Lock Lid: This mechanism ensures a tight, secure seal, minimizing the risk of leaks during transport. The quarter-turn design simplifies the opening and closing process.
Foam Insert: The foam insert securely holds the vessel in place, preventing movement and potential damage during shipping. It adds an extra layer of protection for the contents.
Compartmental Bubble Pouch: This pouch can hold up to six vials, providing secondary containment and cushioning for fragile samples. The compartments help to separate and organize multiple vials.
Absorbent Sheets (50mL / 1.7oz. Capacity): These sheets are crucial for absorbing any potential leaks, preventing the spread of infectious substances. The 50mL capacity is adequate for most sample volumes.
Mini Super Label: This label provides essential information about the contents and handling requirements. This helps ensure proper handling and tracking.
Outer Box with Required Markings: The outer box is clearly marked with all necessary hazard labels and shipping information, ensuring compliance with regulations. The markings are durable and resistant to fading or smudging.
UN Class 6.2 Certification: This certification confirms that the shipper meets the stringent requirements for transporting infectious substances. UN Class 6.2 is a globally recognized standard.
IATA Packing Instruction 602 & DOT/ICAO Compliance: Compliance with these regulations ensures that the shipper can be used for both air and ground transport. Meeting these standards is paramount for legal and safe shipping.
Performance & Functionality
The Com-Pac Infecon 3000 excels at its primary function: securely and compliantly transporting infectious substances. Its performance hinges on the integrity of its components and adherence to packing instructions. It is extremely reliable when used according to instructions.
The strengths lie in its integrated design and regulatory compliance. The weakest point is that the outer box can be damaged if mishandled; a more robust outer shell would be welcome, although it would likely increase the cost. It meets all expectations for secure and compliant shipping.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is good, with durable materials used for all components. The system is relatively lightweight, even when fully loaded, which minimizes shipping costs. The design is straightforward and practical; it’s not aesthetically pleasing, but it is highly functional.
The Com-Pac Infecon 3000 is reasonably user-friendly, with clear instructions provided. No real learning curve is involved.
Durability & Maintenance
The primary container is autoclavable allowing for reuse. The outer box and other disposable components require replacement after each use. The durability of the outer box is a consideration, especially during rough handling.
Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving cleaning and sterilizing the reusable components. Replacement parts are readily available, ensuring continued use of the system.
Accessories and Customization Options
The basic Com-Pac Infecon 3000 includes all necessary components for safe shipping. The main accessory is the Speci-Freez insulated shipper for temperature-sensitive samples; this adds significant value for refrigerated or frozen shipments. Refurbishment boxes, replacement vessels, and O-rings can be ordered separately, allowing for cost-effective reuse of the system.
The Com-Pac Infecon 3000 doesn’t offer extensive customization, but the option to use the Speci-Freez shipper expands its functionality. Compatibility with other brands is not a primary concern, as the system is designed to be self-contained and compliant.
Pros and Cons of Com-Pac Infecon 3000 Infectious Substance Shipper, Com-Pac INF-3000 Infecon 3000 Infectious Substance Shipper
Pros
- UN Class 6.2 certified and compliant with IATA/DOT/ICAO regulations for worry-free shipping.
- Liquid-tight, autoclavable vessel with a secure quarter-turn lid ensures safe containment and reuse.
- Integrated system with all necessary components simplifies the shipping process and reduces the risk of errors.
- Readily available replacement parts enable cost-effective and continuous use.
- Clear instructions and intuitive design make it easy to assemble and use, even for non-experts.
Cons
- The outer box could be more durable to withstand rough handling.
- The price of $77.99 per unit can be a barrier for very small-scale users.
Who Should Buy Com-Pac Infecon 3000 Infectious Substance Shipper, Com-Pac INF-3000 Infecon 3000 Infectious Substance Shipper?
The Com-Pac Infecon 3000 is perfect for: laboratories, medical facilities, research institutions, and anyone involved in the transport of infectious substances. Anyone requiring certified and compliant shipping solutions will find this invaluable.
Who should skip this product? Individuals occasionally needing to ship non-regulated items might find this overkill. Those working within extremely tight budgets might explore cheaper, less compliant alternatives.
A must-have accessory is the Speci-Freez insulated shipper for temperature-controlled transport. There are no required modifications.
Conclusion on Com-Pac Infecon 3000 Infectious Substance Shipper, Com-Pac INF-3000 Infecon 3000 Infectious Substance Shipper
The Com-Pac Infecon 3000 Infectious Substance Shipper, Com-Pac INF-3000 Infecon 3000 Infectious Substance Shipper is a well-designed and reliable solution for the safe and compliant transport of infectious substances. Its integrated design, regulatory compliance, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for any organization handling these materials. The price of $77.99 is justified by the peace of mind it provides.
I would absolutely recommend the Com-Pac Infecon 3000 to anyone needing a certified and compliant shipping solution for infectious substances. Don’t compromise on safety; invest in the Com-Pac Infecon 3000 and ship with confidence.