Packing and Transport of Specimens using Courier

Category B, Infectious Disease Tests

To ensure optimum testing conditions for a specimen that is sent to ARUP Laboratories, the client must determine two things:

  • Determine the infectious nature of the specimen to be sent, using the Category B definitions.
  • Determine the temperature at which the specimen must be maintained during transit, using instructions for individual tests listed in the Laboratory Test Directory.

DOT and IATA Requirements for Shipping Specimens

When shipping specimens, it is essential that each specimen be packaged and shipped properly. Complying with the regulations set forth by the DOT and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) will control or eliminate many health and financial liabilities, both criminal and civil. Other shipping regulations (IATA, CFR 29, 42 and 49, ICAO, and USPS) may also apply, depending on the transport service used.

The following rules apply for all specimens:

  • The primary receptacle must be leak-proof and not contain more than 500 mL or grams.
  • There must be absorbent material placed between the primary receptacle and the secondary packaging sufficient to absorb the entire contents of all primary containers within the secondary package.
  • The primary receptacle or the secondary packaging must be capable of withstanding, without leakage, an internal pressure differential of not less than 95 kPa.

The following rules apply for Biological Substances, Category B, specimens:

  • An itemized list of contents must be enclosed between the secondary packaging and the outer packaging.
  • Each package and Air Waybill must show the text: “Biological Substances, Category B” and be labeled with the designation UN3373.

Exempt Human Specimen Packing

Note: Exempt Human Specimens are excluded from hazardous materials regulation.
When Submitting Exempt Human Specimens:

  • Place specimens in the ARUP rack in the order the specimens appear on the packing list or in the same order as the test request forms.
  • Mark the rack(s) with your client number, along with the correct temperature and rack number.
  • Place one or two racks in the zip-lock portion of the correct color-coded specimen bag. If racks cannot be used, then the specimen must be packed individually in a specimen bag; or, if multiple specimens are being sent, they must be individually wrapped and placed in a specimen bag.
  • Completely fill in the date, client number, and specimen count on the bag and place all of the paperwork into the outside pouch.
  • Remove the perforated section of the color-coded bag and keep for your records.
  • Place bag in appropriate temperature location for courier to pick up.

Biological Substance, Category B, Packing

  • Place specimens in the ARUP rack in the order the specimens appear on the packing list or in the same order as the test request forms.
  • Mark the rack(s) with your client number, along with the correct temperature and rack number.
  • Place one or two racks in the zip-lock portion of the correct color-coded specimen bag. If racks cannot be used, then the specimen must be packed individually in a specimen bag; or, if multiple specimens are being sent, they must be individually wrapped and placed in a specimen bag.
  • Completely fill in the date, client number, and specimen count on the bag and place all of the paperwork into the outside pouch.
  • For all bags containing Biological Substances, Category B, specimens: place an ARUP label (ARUP Supply #51150-84) on the specimen bag, or write the word “Category B” on the bag with a black marker. This will alert the courier to pack and ship this bag as a Biological Substance, Category B, specimen.
  • Remove perforated section of the color-coded bag and keep for your records.
  • Place bag in appropriate temperature location for courier to pick up.

Infectious Substance, Category A, Packing