What is a Biological Substance, Category B?
Any human or animal material, including excreta, secreta, blood and its components, tissue, and tissue fluids being transported for diagnostic or investigational purposes, but excluding live infected humans or animals. A Biological Substance, Category B is assigned UN 3373 identification number, unless the source patient or animal has or may have a serious human or animal disease from a Risk Group 4 pathogen, in which case it must be classed as Division 6.2, described as an infectious substance, and assigned to UN 2814 or UN 2900, as appropriate. Assignment to UN 2814 or UN 2900 is based on known medical condition and history of the patient
or animal, endemic local conditions, symptoms of the source patient or animal, or professional judgment concerning individual circumstances of the source patient or animal.
Minimum ABX Air, Inc. requirements for packaging Exempt Human or Animal Specimens:
- LEAKPROOF primary receptacle, w/absorbent around outside
- LEAKPROOF secondary package, w/cushioning and/or absorbent material
- RIGID outer package, which bears the UN 3373 marking and the proper shipping name: “Biological Substance, Category B
NOTE: If several fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they must be individually wrapped or separated so as to prevent contact between them.
Insert the rigid package into a LAB-BIO overwrap. The LAB-BIO overwrap is preprinted with the “BIOLOGICAL SUBSTANCE, CATEGORY B” marking on the outside for your convenience.
NOTE:Â THIS IS AN OVERWRAP ONLY provided by DHL/ABX Air, Inc. to assist in identifying Biological Substances, Category B and to assist in the containment of any possible leakage. UN 3373 marking must be affixed to rigid outer package, and must be visible through the overwrap. Medical waste of any kind is unacceptable. Any contamination due to leakage or inadequate packaging shall be the responsibility of the Sender.
DRY ICE
If Dry Ice is required for your shipment DO NOT use the LAB-BIO overwrap. Use a rigid outer package that will allow the escape of gases from the package.
REFRIGERATED OR FROZEN SPECIMENS
Ice or dry ice must be placed outside the secondary packaging. Interior supports must be provided to secure secondary packaging in original position after the ice or dry ice has dissipated.
For shipments containing ice, the outside packaging must be leak proof or have a leak proof liner.
For shipments containing dry ice, the outside packaging must permit the escape of carbon dioxide gas. The package must be marked “Carbon Dioxide, Solid” or “Dry Ice”, and an indication that the material being refrigerated is used for diagnostic purposes (i.e. frozen medical specimens).
REMEMBER
*PROPER PACKAGING IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SENDER*
The sender assumes sole responsibility for compliance with all governmental regulations. Employee safety is a primary concern at DHL/ABX Air, Inc. Receiving drivers have the authority and responsibility to refuse any biological substance shipment that does not meet minimum packaging requirements!