SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLINICAL SPECIMENS
All clinical specimens possibly infected with Bartonella spp bacteria are considered UN 3373 Biological Substances Category B. The UN 3373 Category B designation is regulated under the US Department of Transportation (DOT) Transportation of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) for domestic shipments and under the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for international shipments worldwide.
Samples should be packed according to UN 3373 Category packaging, labeling, and shipping requirements. Basic instructions for the required TRIPLE PACKING method are provided below with links to more information.
TRIPLE PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS
(1) Primary containers that meet KPA 85 standards (e.g., vacuum tubes with space left for expansion)
(2) Wrap primary containers separately in absorbent material for spills and packed securely against impact in leak-proof secondary container (e.g., biohazard bag, plastic screw top container)
(3) Secondary container should be securely packed in outer box with required test request form(s)
(4) Temperature control devices, e.g., gel packs or ice packs (NO LOOSE ICE!) may be packed in secondary container or in outer box. *
(5) All shipping docs should be placed in unsealed pouch with shipping label
*Please note that shipping on dry ice is possible, but more complicated. Dry ice is regulated as hazmat under UN 1845 and special training is required for packaging. Also, some couriers (like Fedex) do not like shipping foam boxes, even in cardboard outer box, and may charge an extra pickup fee.
HELPFUL LINKS FOR UN 3373 CATEGORY B SHIPPING:
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/cruiselines/OPRP/docs_word/diagnostic_specimen_shipping_detailed.doc
http://images.fedex.com/downloads/shared/packagingtips/pointers.pdf
http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/ship/hazardous/responsible/diagnostic.html
http://www.dhl-usa.com/custserv/serviceupdates/Bulletin7.asp?nav=FindServInfo/ServiceUpdates
DOMESTIC SHIPPING DOCUMENTATION
- Test Request Form(s) – 1 per patient in the box
- Domestic airbill – ground shipping less expensive
INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTATION
- Test Request Form(s) – in the box
- International airbill – 2-3 day
- 3 copies Proforma/Commercial Invoice
- Copy of required import/export permits
INTERNATIONAL COURIERS:
Fedex: http://www.fedex.com/aw/tools/
DHL: http://www.dhl.com/splash.html
World Courier: http://www.worldcourier.com/