Blood Sample Transport Information to Overseas Countries

Blood Sample Transport Information to Overseas Countries

Blood Sample Transport Information to Overseas Countries

• March 11, 2016
• Reading time: 2 minutes

Over the past year, many patients interested in immunotherapy have inquired whether it's possible to avoid traveling to Japan for blood collection and instead have samples collected in Taiwan for culture and treatment. Unfortunately, based on Taiwan's current regulations reviewed by our legal team, immunocell therapy is prohibited outside of specific university hospitals conducting clinical trials. While we're aware of some private operators conducting such procedures, Medical Supporter cannot confirm their methods, affiliated Japanese medical institutions, or treatment efficacy. Patients interested in such services should inquire directly with Taiwan-based providers. For medical treatment in Japan, patients can either contact medical facilitation agencies independently or seek assistance from Medical Supporter.

Regarding immunocell therapy, it is possible to extract autologous immune cells and send them to Japanese hospitals for processing, provided the hospital agrees to this arrangement. With this premise, Medical Supporter clarifies the procedure for interested patients. We have confirmed that DHL offers transportation services with an estimated cost of approximately TWD 20,000 (subject to adjustment based on packaging specifications). Due to compliance with Taiwan-Japan regulations requiring low-temperature medical transport (-20°C or below) in three-layer packaging to prevent blood leakage and ensure biosafety measures, the cost is relatively high. The process involves collecting and packaging blood samples in Taiwan, then sending them via DHL to Japanese medical institutions for testing, culture, and enhancement. Since Taiwan's regulations do not permit return shipment to Taiwan for infusion, subsequent infusion treatments must be performed in Japan. Medical Supporter is currently coordinating with DHL Taiwan's business department regarding regulatory compliance. Once further information is available, we will provide updates. If Japanese hospitals agree to this arrangement, having blood samples collected in Taiwan and transported via DHL to Japanese hospitals for processing may be a relatively convenient option.

Notes:

1. Regarding immunocell therapy performed in Taiwan, please refer to clinical trial programs offered by major university hospitals. Medical Supporter cannot confirm the efficacy and safety of general commercial offerings.

2. For Japanese customs clearance, attention must be paid to their restrictions. The outer packaging must have at least three layers with dimensions of 100mm × 100mm, and must use leak-proof disposable containers. Blood samples are classified as hazardous materials during transport in Japan, so regulations are strict. For detailed regulations, please refer to the formerly certified Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

3. If carrying samples using carry-on luggage, please consider the following: the insulation box's seal preventing contamination, temperature control to prevent degradation, cell damage from pressure changes, potential cell mutation from X-ray exposure during customs inspection. Most importantly, this approach carries high risk (blood transport is classified as hazardous materials). If discovered, the importer's record will be flagged and the sample will be destroyed. Please reconsider carefully.

4. Taiwan's specimen export regulations require advance application and approval for specimens sent overseas. Specimens may be for simple testing with subsequent destruction, which is the approach currently favored by Taiwan biotech companies due to relatively relaxed review processes.

5. The above regulations are based on information self-researched by Medical Supporter's legal team and are provided for reference only. Actual procedures are subject to current regulations.

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Medical Supporter was formerly certified as a medical visa guarantor by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (B-066).

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