Test-specific transport instructions are listed on the Microbiology Test Menu.
All specimens shipped to WAPHL regardless of the tests ordered must be packaged according to IATA, OSHA, and DOT requirements.
Important: Biological substances, including specimens shipped for testing purposes, are regulated as a Hazardous Material by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). It is the shipper's responsibility to follow regulations for the shipment of Division 6.2 Infectious Substances when sending biological material, human or animal specimens, or cultures of microorganisms to the Washington State Public Health Laboratory (WAPHL). The DOT's Hazardous Material Regulations are contained in the Code of Federal Regulations section 49 Parts 171-180.
Shipping of diagnostic specimens and infectious materials must be performed or supervised by a person who has received training in the packaging and shipping of Division 6.2 Infectious Substances. Training is available for free online through the CDC.
All diagnostic specimens, including blood and blood products, tissue and tissue fluids, excreta, and secreta, must be packaged using an IATA- and DOT-compliant triple packaging system that prevents leakage or damage.
Dried blood spots and fecal occult blood screens are not subject to regulation as infectious substances and require no special markings for shipment. Use only designated absorbent paper specimen collection systems for the collection, storage, and transport of dried blood spots.
Important: Wet Ice is not permitted for transport of specimens to WAPHL.
Category A Shipping Guide (PDF)
Category B Shipping Guide (PDF)
Follow the most current IATA or DOT classification requirements for classifying specimens as Category A, B, or Exempt. Reference the following checklists for guidance in Category A and B packaging. These checklists are not intended to be a sole resource when preparing shipments and persons performing shipping and packaging of infectious substances must have received training appropriate to the level of the task. If elements in these checklists are missing for any package containing a Category A or B specimen, the package is improperly prepared according to WAPHL requirements and may be in violation of federal regulations. Packages that do not meet requirements may be rejected for testing.
Image source: Transporting Infectious Substances Safely, Guide to Changes. US Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Image source: Transporting Infectious Substances Safely, Guide to Changes. US Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Dry Ice is considered hazardous material. Specimens shipped frozen on dry ice must be packaged in dry-ice ready containers and labeled according to IATA and DOT requirements. Dry ice may be used in an insulated container that is sealed loosely to permit escape of sublimated carbon dioxide gas. Accumulated gaseous CO2 trapped in an airtight container can create high pressure and an explosive hazard.
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
Federal Express Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Hotline
Suspect select agents sent for confirmatory testing by the Bioterrorism and Emergency Response Team should be shipped as “UN 2814 Infectious Substance, Affecting Humans (Suspected Category A Infectious Substance)”. Never include the suspected identity of the organism being transported on outer packaging or shipping papers. Information pertaining to suspected identity and testing should only be present on the test requisition which shall be placed between the secondary and outer packaging and protected from condensation due to ice packs, if used. All submissions of suspect select agents must be pre-approved by the appropriate Local Health Jurisdiction and the Washington State Office of Disease Control and Health Statistics Epidemiology Department. Confirmed select agents may not be shipped to WAPHL.
Washington State Department of Health Washington State Public Health Laboratory 1610 NE 150th Street Shoreline, WA 98155 Phone: 206.418.5400
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Source Packaging of New England, Inc.
405 F Kilvert Street Warwick, RI 02866 Phone: 800-200-0366 FAX: 401-738-7762
5724 N Pulaski Rd Chicago, IL 60646 Phone: 1-800-621-5808 Fax: 1-800-723-4327
5361 Alexander Street, Los Angeles, CA 90040 Phone: 1-800-745-8800
For people with disabilities, Web documents in other formats are available on request. To submit a request, please contact us at civil.rights@doh.wa.gov.
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