1. Specimens transported by air are also subject to the regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

2. The shipper is responsible for the proper packaging and shipping of all specimens. Shippers must be trained and certified by their employer to be able to prepare and ship packages containing Category A and B infectious substances.

3. The following information is given only as a guideline and is in compliance with regulations as of December 2006.

4. Regulations change frequently. All shippers are responsible for knowing and complying with current regulations that must be followed. Training for the following must be documented for any person packaging and shipping infectious substances:

1. Determine if the specimens are non-infectious or unregulated or Category B, or Category A infectious substances.

b. If specimens do not fall into Category A or B, IATA requires 'Exempt Human Specimen" be marked on the packaging.

1. All Category B infectious substances must be triple packaged.

2. Primary specimen receptacles containing liquids must be leakproof and should be sealed shut with adhesive tape.

3. Place the primary specimen receptacle, with an appropriate amount of absorbent, in a biohazard-labeled specimen bag. NOTE: When more than one primary specimen container is to be sent in the same secondary container, sufficient absorbent material to absorb the entire contents of the liquid and cushioning to prevent breakage of the individual samples should be placed in the biohazard-labeled specimen bag. NOTE: Total volume must not exceed 1 liter for liquid Category B specimens and 4 kg for solid Category B specimens.

4. Place the biohazard-labeled specimen bag, which contains the primary specimen receptacle(s) and absorbent/cushioning, in the metal tube (secondary packaging container) with the rubber gasket in the cap. This container must have a biohazard label on it.

5. When sending specimens to the OSPHL using OSPHL packaging material, place the metal tube (secondary container) and the paperwork in the cardboard mailing tube (outer packaging).

6. Place the cardboard mailing tube(s) (outer packaging) in the labpack bag (colored mailer) with the OSPHL address on it. This bag has the label "Biological substances, Category B" on it. Seal the bag appropriately by using the adhesive closure mechanism contained on one edge of the bag. This bag may only be sent using the USPS.

7. Label the colored mailer with your return address.

8. Apply first class postage and mail. NOTE: When sending Category B infectious substances to OSPHL by routes other than USPS, use triple packaging. By air, either the primary receptacles or secondary container must be certified to withstand an internal pressure of 95 kPa without leaking and a temperature range of -40º F to 131º F. Outer shipping containers must pass drop test requirements. Wet ice or dry ice must always be placed in a cooler such as Styrofoam, then in an outer shipping container.

NOTE: Styrofoam is not an acceptable outer shipping container.

NOTE: As of January 2005, a 2 inch diagonal symbol containing "UN 3373" is required.

1. Do not send culture plates. Subculture to a slant or broth.

2. Category A infectious substances can not be sent via the US Postal Service.

3. United Parecel Service does not accept packages containing Category A infectious substances.

4. Do not "mix and match" products. For example, do not use the OSPHL double can system manufactured by Med-Pak, with a Saf-T-Pak outer box. The regulations require that products must "match" for the package to qualify as certified packaging.

5. When shipping Category A infectious substances via shipping companies, follow these directions for using certified infectious packing materials such as the Saf-TPak STP-130, but use their required shipping documents.

6. All specimens must be triple packaged. The following instructions are given as an example using Saf-T-Pak STP-130:

7. Following the directions that come with the STP-130, and place the sealed Tyvek envelope along with cushioning material adequate to fill up the space and prevent breakage in the inner box.

8. Place the inner (brown cardboard) box into the outer box.

9. Label the outer box with the follow- ing information:

11. Fill out the Shippers Declaration. Note: the Emergency Contact number placed on this declaration must be the phone number of a person who is either knowledgeable of the hazardous material being shipped, and has comprehensive emergency response knowledge or a person who has immediate access to a person who possesses such knowledge and information. This phone number must be answered 24/7 by a live person. Paging numbers and answering service numbers are not acceptable. DOT inspectors do randomly call the numbers on these forms. There are companies who provide this service either as a one time service or on an annual contract basis. One of these companies is ChemTrek. They may be reached at 1-800-262-8200 or http://www.chemtrec.com.