Transporting Infectious Substances
Pathogens are defined as:
Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, parasites, fungi) Prions, that can cause disease in Humans & Animals.
Exception to Infectious shipping
Pathogens have been neutralized or inactivated as to no longer pose a health risk.
Exception to Infectious shipping
Patient specimen for which minimal likelihood pathogens are present. IF in a package that will prevent leakage (triple packaging) AND marked "Exempt Human Specimen"
Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) applies to
Any material DOT determines capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce (Air, Highway, Rail, Water).
Assignment of UN2814, UN2900
Based on Known medical history and symptoms of source, endemic local conditions, professional judgment concerning individual circumstances.
Exception to Infectious shipping
Blood or plasma NOT suspected of having an infectious disease.
Exception to Infectious shipping
Blood, plasma & blood components for transfusion or preparation of blood products and sent for testing as part of the collection process.
UN2900
Category A, "Infectious substance, affecting Animals only"
UN2814
Category A, "Infectious substance, affecting Humans"
Exception to Infectious shipping
Category B infectious substance transported for Research, Diagnosis, Investigation activities, Disease treatment or prevention, or biological product transported in a motor vehicle used exclusively to transport such materials
UN3373
Category B, substance unlikely to cause disease in humans and animals with minimal likelihood of pathogens present.. or patient sample transported by private or contract carrier in a motor vehicle used exclusively for these materials "Biological Substance, Category B"
DOT classification
Class 6.2
Sufficient Training for Category B users
Clear instructions on the use of packaging.
International, who regulates transport of hazardous goods
Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UNCETDG). Model Regulations.
In the USA who regulates transport of hazardous goods
DOT Department of Transportation, Hazardous Materials Regulations.
Documentation Not required for Category B infectious substances
Dangerous goods documentation including shippers declaration
Exception to Infectious shipping
Dried blood spots or Fecal occult blood detection on absorbent filter paper.
Exception to Infectious shipping
Environmental sample not considered to pose a significant health risk
Exception to Infectious shipping
Forensic material that complies with governmental regulations
Documentation required for Category B infectious substances prepared and signed by the shipper (sender, consignor)
Import and/or export permit and/or declaration if required
Category A
Infectious substance in a form CAPABLE of causing a fatal disease or disability in healthy humans and animals.
Category B
Infectious substance in a form NOT Capable of causing a fatal disease or disability in healthy humans and animals.
Exception to Infectious shipping
Intended for transplantation or transfusion
Documentation required for Category B infectious substances prepared and signed by the shipper (sender, consignor)
International: packing list/pro forma invoice (including: shipper and receiver's address, number of packages, details of contents, weight, value) "No Commercial Value" for items supplied free of charge.
Exception to Infectious shipping
Laundry or medical equipment
In transport Infectious substances are defined as
Substances that are known or reasonably expected to contain pathogens
Package shall display (for All)
Temperature storage requirements (if required)
Can shipping packaging be reused?
Yes, must be disinfected and labels covered or removed of not applicable to next shipment.
HMR classification
-Category A: -Category B:
Triple Packaging system
-Primary- watertight leak-proof containing specimen. -Secondary- Durable watertight leak-proof. (may contain several cushioned primary) with absorbent material. itemized list of contents. -Outer Packaging- Suitable cushioning material, smallest dimension 10x10cm.
Package shall display (for All)
-Proper shipping name ("Biological Substance, Category B") adjacent to diamond-shaped mark "UN3373".
Package shall display (for All)
-Receiver's (consignee) name, address, and telephone number.
Package shall display (for Air)
-Shipper's (sender, consignor's) name, address and telephone number.
Package shall display (for Air)
-Telephone number of a responsible person, knowledgeable about the shipment.
Exception to Infectious shipping
Agricultural product or Food
Documentation required for Category B infectious substances prepared and signed by the shipper or shipper's agent
Air waybill for transport by Air or equivalent documents for Road, Rail, and Sea journeys.
Shipping requirement training is required for
All personnel involved in shipping dangerous goods
Exception to Infectious shipping
Biological product or material subject to HHS or USDA regulation
