Are You Properly Packaging Laboratory Specimens?

April 7, 2010 — 

Two Illinois veterinarians were recently audited by the Federal Aviation Administration regarding shipping practices involving laboratory specimens. Each was directed to correct errors in shipping practices and instructed to provide staff training to avoid substantial fines.

The regulations governing the shipment of hazardous materials, including materials potentially infectious to humans or animals, were modified in 2006 for all shipments except those using private carriers or vehicles used exclusively for these materials. The law requires that shipments of potentially infectious materials be properly packaged and labeled and that all staff, including veterinarians, responsible for shipment of hazardous or infectious materials be properly trained and records of this training must be maintained.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has published a guide entitled Transporting Infectious Substances Safely which describes the regulatory changes and proper packaging techniques. The guide defines the 2 categories of infectious substances and provides an algorithm to determine the applicable shipping requirements. Also included are diagrams illustrating proper packaging techniques for the different classifications.

The AVMA has also published guidelines outlining the required training for shipping laboratory and diagnostic specimens.