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Shipping Recommendations For Exempt Specimen Samples

The document provides recommendations for shipping exempt specimen samples. It recommends packaging a collected sample in a DNA Genotek collection device within a leak proof bio-specimen bag and outer packaging labeled as exempt. Samples not expected to be pathogenic can be shipped this way, while more stringent rules apply to samples that may contain pathogens.

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32 views2 pages

Shipping Recommendations For Exempt Specimen Samples

The document provides recommendations for shipping exempt specimen samples. It recommends packaging a collected sample in a DNA Genotek collection device within a leak proof bio-specimen bag and outer packaging labeled as exempt. Samples not expected to be pathogenic can be shipped this way, while more stringent rules apply to samples that may contain pathogens.

Uploaded by

sylvi293
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Shipping recommendations for exempt specimen samples

Summary of recommendations
For samples not expected to be pathogenic, the following packaging is recommended.
• A collected sample in a DNA Genotek collection device
• A leak proof bio-specimen bag containing absorbent material
• Outer packaging that meets local postal service regulations and is labeled as either “EXEMPT HUMAN
SPECIMEN” or “EXEMPT ANIMAL SPECIMEN”
This complete kit is available for purchase from DNA Genotek and can be viewed on our website
www.dnagenotek.com. For pricing and samples, please contact [email protected].

Background
Air transportation of diagnostic specimens is governed under authority of the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) and its regulations are published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Since courier services designated as “ground” may involve an air transport segment, the IATA publications are
broadly applicable to both air and ground shipment.
The 58th IATA Dangerous Goods Manual effective January 1, 2017 states the following guidance:

3.6.2.2.3.8 Patient specimens for which there is minimal likelihood that pathogens are present are
not subject to other provisions of these Regulations provided:
(a) The specimen must be packed in a packaging which will prevent any leakage and which is marked
with the words “Exempt human specimen” or “Exempt animal specimen,” as appropriate;
(b) The packaging must consist of three components:
1. a leak-proof primary receptacle(s);
2. a leak-proof secondary packaging; and
3. an outer packaging of adequate strength for its capacity, mass and intended use, and with at
least one surface having minimum dimensions of 100 mm × 100 mm;
(c) For liquids, absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents must be placed
between the primary receptacle(s) and the secondary packaging so that, during transport, any
release or leak of a liquid substance will not reach the outer packaging and will not compromise
the integrity of the cushioning material;
(d) When multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they must
be either individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact between them.

PD-WP-009 Issue 4/2017-02


© 2017 DNA Genotek Inc., a subsidiary of OraSure Technologies, Inc., all rights reserved. www.dnagenotek.com • [email protected]
NOTE:
In determining whether a patient specimen has a minimal likelihood that pathogens are present,
an element of professional judgment is required to determine if a substance is exempt under this
paragraph. That judgment should be based on the known medical history, symptoms and
individual circumstances of the source, human or animal, and endemic local conditions.
Examples of specimens which may be transported under this paragraph include the blood or
urine tests to monitor cholesterol levels, blood glucose levels, hormone levels, or prostate specific
antigens (PSA); tests required to monitor organ function such as heart, liver or kidney function for
humans or animals with non-infectious diseases, or therapeutic drug monitoring; tests conducted
for insurance or employment purposes and are intended to determine the presence of drugs or alcohol;
pregnancy tests; biopsies to detect cancer and antibody detection in humans or animals.

For those collecting samples which may not fit the definition above, more stringent requirements for
transportation apply. These include the use of a rigid outer container, application of UN2814 (Category A
pathogens) or UN3373 (Category B pathogens) labels and demonstration of compliance with pressure tests.
More information is available directly from IATA, or from your local carrier or postal service.

Some DNA Genotek products may not be available in all geographic regions.
All DNA Genotek protocols, white papers and application notes, are available in the support section of our website at www.dnagenotek.com.

PD-WP-009 Issue 4/2017-02


© 2017 DNA Genotek Inc., a subsidiary of OraSure Technologies, Inc., all rights reserved. www.dnagenotek.com • [email protected] 2

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