Q: What are we required to do when receiving tissue?
A: Upon receipt of tissue, the organization should verify and document that the recommended temperatures and the integrity of the individual tissue packaging have been maintained during transport. Many distributors use validated shipping containers that have been tested to maintain the recommended temperature for a specified period of time. Often, the distributor can provide documentation for the organization to have on file regarding the specifications. When the tissue arrives through the routine shipping process, the receiver may then check that the shipping container was received undamaged and within the validated timeframe. Other checks could include noting the presence of any remaining regular or dry ice, taking the temperature within the box (in the center of the products) upon opening, or use of a commercial shipping temperature indicator.