What is a recommended refrigerant to use when shipping a head for rabies testing?

Using gel packs or similar refrigerants when shipping a head for rabies testing is recommended because they maintain a consistent and appropriate temperature without the risk of melting water, which can create a mess or dilute samples. Gel packs are also less likely to cause damage to the specimen during transport compared to regular ice or melting ice because they conform and provide even cooling without the added moisture.

Additionally, regulatory guidelines for shipping biological specimens often emphasize the importance of maintaining proper temperature control to ensure the integrity of the sample. Gel packs can achieve this while being compliant with transportation regulations.

Other options, like ice packs or regular ice, may not provide the most effective or reliable means of temperature regulation and can pose challenges during shipping. Dry ice, while effective for certain biological materials, can be hazardous to handle and requires proper labeling and precautions due to its extreme cold and potential asphyxiation risk in closed containers. This complexity makes gel packs a more favorable choice for rabies testing sample shipping.