Shipping guidelines have been developed based on the requirements contained in the IATA Dangerous Goods Shipping Regulations for the transport of Diagnostic Specimens (also referred to as ‘biological substance’).
Briefly, all diagnostic specimens must be shipped in packaging of good quality, strong enough to withstand the shock and loading normally encountered during transport. Packaging must consist of the following three components:
The primary receptacle must be packed in such a way that, under normal conditions of transport, it cannot break, be punctured or leak. Secondary packaging must be secured in outer packaging with suitable cushioning material and contain a quantity of absorbent material, that in the case of liquid release from the primary container, the entire contents will be absorbed. For complete information on packing instructions for Diagnostic Specimens, see Packing Instructions - Class 6 - Toxic and Infectious Substances.
If you have a question concerning shipment of Diagnostic Specimens, please contact the Diagnostic Laboratory.
United States Postal Service (USPS) – Publication 52, September 2008
United States Postal Service (USPS) – Packing Instruction 6D, September 2008
Shipping Infectious Substances, September 2008
US Department of Transportation Shipping Regulations Links
Web site for 49 CFR Section 173 DOT
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/49cfr173_04.html
Category B - Infectious Substance DOT
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/pdf/49cfr173.199.pdf
Class 6, Division 6.2, Classification and exceptions
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/pdf/49cfr173.134.pdf
Category A – Infectious Substance DOT, shipper must be trained and certified
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/pdf/49cfr173.196.pdf