Scott writes,
Here’s a unique twist on lost airline luggage:I’m on travel for work at a nuclear site, waiting to get security clearance to start work. This involves a background check and a drug test for me, which can usually be done in about 8 to 24 hrs.
24 hrs – No word.
48 hrs – No word.
72 hrs – I’m told that Delta Airlines lost a shipment of urine samples, and mine was among them.
(Note, I’m on night shift, so I was woken up at 7am after 2 hrs of sleep and told to come back in to re-test. By the time I arrived at the plant, they had found the samples… Something’s wrong with the notification timeline there…)
These are usually couriered directly from the plant to the lab – so I’m guessing that the courier had to check them since the box of samples was over 3 oz
Is there anything Delta can’t lose? Other than our undying disrespect…
(Thanks to Scott!)
(Photo: Getty)
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In a related story: “Not to be outdone by Free Cream Cheese, Delta gives away free trial size Apple Juices aboard one lucky flight”.
Urine luck, we found your sample
From the picture I thought someone was transporting urine in their suitcase.
Is it bodily fluids day here at consumerist?
The courier that is checking items at the airline needs to be fired. You don’t pay for a courier in order to entrust something to baggage handlers.
You might as well fedex it FFS, at least then you can get insurance.
Love the jpeg.
@BayStateDarren:
*Shudders*
@bohemian: or ON their suitcase…
At least it’s not a test you need to study hard for…
Oh look, Joe. A box of apple juice! We should have a picnic!
Umm, since when can “bio samples” and “biohazardous materials” can be shipped via regular domestic carrier?
Maybe they thought it had meth or some other drug that doesn’t break down in the body. Free drugs are free drugs.
None of these urine samples will qualify for test purposes now because the chain of custody of the samples was broken.
@BayStateDarren: Its always bodily fluids day here. Watch your step.
Kind of redefines the phrase ‘pissed off’ doesn’t it?
@uricmu: I’d imagine for a while. It’s nothing to ship them via FedEx either, you just have to meet the packaging and marking requirements.
@uricmu: All the time as long as they are properly packaged (e.g., sample jar placed in a ziploc bag with an absorbent sheet which is placed in a styrofoam block in a box) and marked.
Courier = fired… what was the point if he just checks it?
@Dustbunny: Urine luck?
do they feel secure now at the plant now that they have your urine?
I had to laugh at this story. I work in one of the bigger medical labs in the country (we compete with the top two in terms of volume) and I get a *daily* report of late and missing shipments. Granted, most of the time they’re found, but a quick peek at my list for today shows a shipment of samples that’s 12 hours late and another that’s 36 hours late. Such is life, I guess.