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Packing Diagnostic Specimens For Transport: Summary Instructions



April 23, 2003
Page 1 of 2

Packing Diagnostic Specimens For Transport
:
Summary Instructions


For more complete packing instructions see the current edition of the International Air
Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations
http://www.iata.org/dangerousgoods/index
and US DOT 49 CFR Parts 171-180 -
http://hazmat.dot.gov/rules.htm


The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Regulations,
49 CFR Parts 171 - 180, require all persons who offer or transport diagnostic specimens to
comply with applicable regulations.

A DIAGNOSTIC SPECIMEN is any human or animal material being transported for
diagnostic or investigational purposes, BUT excluding live infected animals.

DIAGNOSTIC SPECIMENS TRANSPORTED UNDER THE IATA REGULATIONS ARE
ASSIGNED TO UN IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 3373.

PRIMARY PACKAGING

$
Primary receptacle(s) must be water tight, e.g., screw cap seal with parafilm or adhesive tape or similar.
$
Multiple primary receptacles must be wrapped individually to prevent breakage.
$
When determining the volume of diagnostic specimens being shipped, include the viral transport media.
$
Primary receptacle(s) must not contain more than 500 ml or 500 g.


the entire contents of the primary receptacle is the diagnostic specimen.

SECONDARY PACKAGING

C
Use enough absorbent material in the secondary container to absorb the entire contents of all primary
receptacles in case of leakage or damage.


C
Secondary packaging must meet the IATA packaging requirements for diagnostic specimens including
1.2 meter (3.9 feet) drop test procedure. Since infectious substance packaging surpasses the
requirements for diagnostic specimen packaging, in the IATA Packing Instruction 602, it can be used.
Infectious substance packaging will have the required specification markings on packaging



(UN will be in a circle):
e.g.,
UN
4G/CLASS 6.2/99/GB/2450


You, as the shipper - not the transport company - are responsible for
the shipment until the package reaches the consignee. PACKING DIAGNOSTIC SPECIMENS FOR TRANSPORT: SUMMARY INSTRUCTIONS
(continued from previous page)



April 23, 2003
Page 2 of 2

C
Secondary packaging must be watertight. Follow the packaging manufacturer or other authorized
partys packing instructions included with the secondary packaging.
C
Secondary packaging must be at least 100 mm (4 inches) in the smallest overall external dimension.



C
Must be large enough for shipping documents, e.g., air waybill.

OUTER PACKAGING
C
The outer packaging must not contain more than 4 L or 4 kg
C
Both dry ice and wet ice must be placed outside the secondary packaging.
C
Dry ice: packaging must permit the release of carbon dioxide gas and not allow a
build-up of pressure that could rupture the packaging.
C
Wet ice: the packaging must be leak-proof.
C
Each package and the air waybill must be marked with the following exact wording:









An itemized list of contents must be enclosed between the secondary packaging and the outer packaging.
Place in a sealed plastic bag to protect from moisture.
A Shippers Declaration for Dangerous Goods is NOT required.

Proper packing and labeling of the secondary container for shipping of diagnostic specimens



For more information, visit
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars
or call the CDC public response hotline
at (888) 246-2675 (English), (888) 246-2857 (Español), or (866) 874-2646 (TTY)
UN 3373 DIAGNOSTIC SPECIMEN
PACKED IN COMPLIANCE WITH
IATA PACKING INSTRUCTION 650
Diagnostic
Specimen
UN 3373, Packed
Address label
with name,
complete
shipping