Specimen Transport Review

• Identify specimen(s) to be sent to ARUP.
• Determine the infectious nature of each specimen using the definitions.
• Instructions for Exempt Human Specimens:
  • Order the appropriate test using an Interface, ARUP System 2000®, or a manual test request form.
  • If using an Interface and/or ARUP System 2000®, print out a packing list for each temperature and rack and bag these specimens separately. Do the same for all manual test request forms.
  • 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.
  • Include all paperwork with the appropriate colorcoded 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 bag for your tracking records.
  • Place the color-coded bag in the appropriate temperature location for the courier to pick up. Note: Those shipping their own specimens must make sure the shipping container does not have the words “Biological Substances, Category B,” anywhere on the box. The Air Waybill must have “Exempt Human Specimens, nonHMR” listed under the contents/ description section.
  • Pack two bags in each small (quarter-sized) section of the ARUP shipping container and pack as many as six bags in one medium (half-sized) section. For refrigerated specimens, layer three refrigerated gel packs in the secondary container.
• Instructions for Biological Substances, Category B:
  • Order the appropriate test using an Interface, ARUP System 2000®, or a manual test request form.
  • If using an Interface and/or ARUP System 2000®, print out a packing list for each temperature and rack and bag these specimens separately. Do the same for all manual test request forms.
  • 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.
  • Include all paperwork with the appropriate colorcoded 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 bag for your tracking records.
  • Place the color-coded bag in the appropriate temperature location for the courier to pick up. Note: Those shipping their own specimens must make sure the shipping container has the words “Biological Substances, Category B” and “UN3373” on both the box and the Air Waybill under “description.”
  • Pack two bags in each small (quarter-sized) section of the ARUP shipping container and pack as many as six bags in one medium (half-sized) section. For refrigerated specimens, layer three refrigerated gel packs in the secondary container.

  All microbiology specimens must be bagged separately with the appropriate paperwork. The source of the specimen is required.

• Instructions for Infectious Specimens, Category A:
  • Order the appropriate test using an Interface, ARUP System 2000®, or a manual test request form
  • If using an Interface and/or ARUP System 2000®, print out a packing list for each temperature and bag these specimens separately. Do the same for all manual test request forms.
  • For Infectious Substances, a positive means of closure is required for all ambient specimens. If screw caps are used, they must be secured with adhesive tape, not parafilm.
  • Use the large, medium, or clear plastic tube pressure container depending on the quantity and type of specimens that you will be sending. A Declaration of Dangerous Goods form, two Class 6 Infectious Substance labels and two Infectious Substance, Affecting Humans labels will need to accompany each container. The client is only responsible for filling out two Infectious Substance, AffectingHumans labels, with the volume being shipped. For example: For three slant specimens being sent for AFB Identification with approximately 7 mL in each, enter 3 x 7 mL as the total volume in the area marked “Volume.” The courier will complete the remaining documents.
  • Include all paperwork with the appropriate colorcoded 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 bag for your tracking records.
  • Mark the appropriate shipping temperature (ambient or room temperature) located on the outside of the pressure container. Place the pressure container, along with the specimens, into the green color-coded bag and place the bag into the appropriate temperature (ambient or room temperature) location for the courier to pick up.

  ARUP prefers specimens submitted for cultures to be bagged individually to maintain specimen integrity. If identity of the specimen is unknown, or does not match an organism listed under Test Considered Infectious, it DOES NOT need a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods form.

Infectious Shipping Training

When shipping Infectious Substances, the contents must be packed by someone who has been trained in accordance with the provisions contained in the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and/or International Air Transportation Association (IATA) regulations for shipping Infectious Substances. Training is available through ARUP. Consult your Business Development Manager.