A lab sample that warms up often means the clinic must take it again. Similarly, a mother has to throw away breast milk that warms up. Both are small loads; however, losing them costs a lot. That’s why a styrofoam box for lab samples and breast milk is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to keep them cold from the moment you collect them until you need them.
What makes a 3kg box right for samples and milk?
- Small and light: it fits on a lap, in a bag or on a motorbike.
- Insulated: because of its thick foam walls, it slows down warming far better than a bag.
- Food-grade EPS: as a result, it’s safe for milk and medical use.
- Comes with a lid: in addition, a tight lid keeps the cold in.
For full specifications, see our 3kg styrofoam box page.
Who uses it?
Clinics, labs and sample couriers
Every day, clinics send blood, urine and other samples to labs, often by motorbike through Nairobi traffic. So a 3kg box with ice packs keeps samples cool for the whole trip. Also, racks and bags of tubes fit neatly inside. For more detail, read our guide to styrofoam boxes for laboratory samples.
Working mothers
Mothers who express milk at work need to keep it cold until they get home. For example, a 3kg box with frozen ice packs holds a day’s bottles or bags and keeps them cold on a long commute. Also see our guide to styrofoam boxes for breast milk.
Pharmacies and home-care nurses
Similarly, insulin, some vaccines, and other cold medicine need to stay chilled when pharmacies deliver them to patients at home. For larger batches, however, see our medical and vaccine styrofoam boxes.
How to pack lab samples
- First, place the samples in sealed bags or a tube rack.
- Next, put cold (not frozen-solid) ice packs at the bottom. Before you do, check what temperature your samples need.
- Then add the samples. If they must not freeze, keep frozen packs from touching them directly.
- After that, put the paperwork in a separate sealed bag on top.
- Finally, close the lid firmly and keep the box upright and in the shade.
How to pack breast milk
- First, chill or freeze the milk.
- Then put an ice pack at the bottom of the box.
- Next, stand bottles upright, or lay milk bags flat.
- After that, add another ice pack on top and close the lid.
- Finally, once you’re home, move the milk to the fridge or freezer straight away.
In all cases, follow your health worker’s advice on how long you can keep milk and at what temperature.
When to choose a bigger box
However, if you move samples for several clinics on one trip, or carry milk for more than one child, step up to the 6kg styrofoam box. To compare the two, read our 3kg vs 6kg guide.
Where to buy
You’ll find Bioflex Insulation Limited in Industrial Area, Nairobi. We’re open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm, and we also deliver across Kenya and East Africa. In addition, clinics and labs can order in bulk.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Our boxes are made from food-grade EPS, and the milk stays in its own bottles or bags inside.
Yes. We supply clinics, labs, and pharmacies in bulk, and sell single boxes too.
Yes. Wipe it with mild soap and water or your clinic’s approved disinfectant, and let it dry with the lid off.
