<p>Diagnostic Specimen Shipping – New Requirements effective January 1, 2005</p><p>The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revised their Dangerous Goods Regulations, effective January 1, 2005, for shipping infectious substances and diagnostic/clinical specimens by air. </p><p>Infectious substances are now divided into two Categories (A and B), with diagnostic specimens assigned to Category B.</p><p>Category B substances are classified as having a low risk in transportation while Category A substances have the potential to cause permanent disability, and/or life-threatening or fatal disease to humans or animals. Examples of a Category A Infectious Substance are Hepatitis B virus (cultures only) and Monkeypox virus. </p><p>Diagnostic specimens are Category B substances and are human or animal material including, but not limited to, excreta, secreta, blood and its components, tissue and tissue fluids, and body parts being transported for purposes such as research, diagnosis, investigational activities, disease treatment or prevention.</p><p>Substances which do not contain infectious substances and substances which have been treated so that the pathogens have been neutralized or deactivated so that they no longer pose a health risk are not subject to regulations unless they meet the criteria for inclusion in another class (i.e. Flammable, Corrosive, Toxic). However, these materials must still be packaged in “triple packaging.”</p><p>Major changes to the Diagnostic Specimen shipping requirements are: </p><p>1) Diagnostic/Clinical specimens must display a “UN3373” label and either the marking “Diagnostic Specimens” or “Clinical Specimens” next to this label. Click here for a downloadable UN3373 label.</p><p>2) Rigid outer packing is required in addition to the currently required primary receptacle and secondary packaging.</p><p>3) The airway bill will need to show the text “Diagnostic Specimens” or “Clinical Specimens” and “UN3373”. </p><p>Remember: Laboratory personnel must be trained properly on transportation and shipment regulations before shipping diagnostic specimens, infectious substances, or any other regulated material. REHS offers training sessions for those who ship dangerous goods. Please contact REHS to schedule training and for assistance with shipping. </p><p>Click here for the complete text of the updated regulations regarding infectious substances/diagnostic specimens.</p><p>Click here for packing instruction 650 (Diagnostic Specimen)</p><p>For more information regarding the shipment of diagnostic specimens or infectious substances, please contact Emma Cattafi at REHS. 732.445.2550</p>