Shipment of Urine and Biological Specimens

See also Shipment of Diagnostic Specimens


This document will explain the Minimum ABX Air, Inc. requirements for shipping urine and biological specimens. These requirements meet or exceed the requirements set forth in the 49 CFR and IATA regulations to ensure safe and secure transit of all bodily fluid shipments.

Any assistance with these shipping requirements or any hazardous material technical assistance please call the Hazardous Materials Hotline at 866-588-2002 and speak to our Hazardous Materials Specialist. Our hotline is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
 
What is a biological specimen?
A biological product, meaning a virus, therapeutic serum, toxin, antitoxin, vaccine, blood, blood component or derivative, allergenic product, or analogous product used in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or cure of diseases in humans or animals. A biological product includes a material manufactured and distributed in accordance with one of the following provisions: 9 CFR part 102 (Licenses for Biological Products); 9 CFR part 103 (Experimental Products, Distribution, and Evaluation of Biological Products Prior to Licensing); 9 CFR part 104 (Permits for Biological Products); 21 CFR part 312 (Investigational New Drug Application); 21 CFR part 314 (Applications for FDA Approval to Market a New Drug); 21 CFR parts 600 to 680 (Biologics); or 21 CFR part 812 (Investigational Device Exemptions). A biological product known to contain or suspected of containing a pathogen in Risk Group 2, 3, or 4 must be classed as Division 6.2, described as an infectious substance, and assigned to UN 2814 or UN 2900, as appropriate, unless otherwise excepted.

Minimum ABX Air inc. requirements for packaging biological specimens:
Five basic steps are required to safely ship biological specimens:

  1. Primary receptacle
  2. Absorbent material
  3. Secondary receptacle
  4. DHL/Airborne special lab pack

1. PRIMARY RECEPTACLE

Place urine specimen in watertight container, tubes, or bottle. Secure the closure by positive means (i.e. tape, clips, or rings).

Examples:


specimen vial
specimen cup

2. ABSORBENT MATERIAL

Wrap absorbent material around the watertight container. Use cotton, cellulose wadding or paper towels that are able to absorb the entire contents in case of leakage.

Examples:


paper towel
absorbent pad

3. SECONDARY PACKAGING

Insert sealed container wrapped in absorbent material in a secondary leak resistant clear pouch or sealable pack.

Examples:

plastic sealable bag
sealable container

4. LAB PACK

Insert the sealed secondary packaging into green lab pack, other than urine specimens must be placed into a rigid container inside the lab pack.

NOTE: This lab pack is intended to be an overpack only. Green Lab Packs are intended for Urine and Biological Specimens only.

Example:
LAB PACK CLOSURE

Place on firm surface and peel off plastic strip. Press down firmly along red adhesive strip from center out to edges until completely sealed.

Example:


press firmly on red strip

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/Airborne. DHL/Airborne drivers have the authority to refuse any Lab Pack shipment that does not meet minimum packaging requirements.
 

For more information contact:
   Shawn Pandorf
   ABX Air Hazardous Materials Department
   phone (866) 588-2002
   fax (937) 366-3202
   e-mail shawn.pandorf@abxair.com

Copyright © 2007, ABX Air, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
 Web site terms and conditions - Contact ABX
Revised: April 24, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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