Diagnostic specimen mailing device

Abstract

A mailing device for etiologic agents and/or biomedical materials is disclosed. The mailing device comprises a front panel joined to a back panel, the back panel being longer than the front panel. Three sides of each panel are sealed together, preferably by an adhesive, most preferably by heat sealing, such that an opening to an internal region is created, said opening defined by the top, unsealed portion of the front panel, and the top unsealed portion of the back panel which exceeds the height of the front panel. The region of the back panel extending above that of the front panel is referred to as a 'flap' or 'flap region'. The flap region includes means for folding the flap along a substantially parallel line to said opening, said line being located above the opening, preferably from between about one-fourth to about one-half of the distance of the flap upwards from said opening and most preferably about one-fourth of the distance of said flap upward from said opening. The flap of the device further includes at least one tab extending outwardly therefrom such that when the flap is folded and sealed, the tab can similarly be folded and sealed to either the front panel or the back panel so as to provide an added measure of security.