Shipping Biological Materials
Quick Links
- Shipping Training
- Guideline for Shipping and Transporting Clinical Specimens
- Shipping Training Supplement Guide
- Dangerous Goods Regulations
- Duke Import and Export Controls
Biological specimen shipments and shipments over dry ice are regulated and as such have specific packaging requirements that meet the requirements of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (domestic shipments in the United States), Transportation of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), and International Air Transport Association (IATA) (international air shipments worldwide) and Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). It is the responsibility of individual shippers to properly identify their material and package it accordingly.
All individuals that prepare, pack, and ship Class 6.2 Infectious substances and Dry Ice (Class 9) are required to complete shipping training. Such training must be done at least every two years. However, because changes to the applicable regulations occur annually, you are encouraged to update your training annually. "Shipping Biological Materials" training is provided by OESO Online Training. Any certifications or training for shipping other hazardous materials are the responsibility of the individual’s departmental supervisor.
Contact Information
Questions: 919-684-8822
Guidance & Policies
External Resources
US Department of Transportation
Packing Instructions 650 – Category B, Infectious substance
CDC - Packaging and Transporting Infectious Substances (example)