Question: How do I best package suspected COVID-19 patient's specimens for shipping?

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions about Biosafety and COVID-19
section_headers: Specimen Packing and Shipping
What information is required on the outer package for shipment of specimens with ice packs?
section_content: A: Ensure the outer package has been properly marked and labeled with the
following:

Hazard labeled with UN Identification Number already on label – UN 3373
Biological Substance, Category B
Shipper’s name, address, and phone number
Receiver’s name, address, and phone number
Name and phone number of a responsible person is optional if it is on the airway bill

For additional information, refer to the following:

Guidance on regulations for the transport of infectious substances 2019 – 2020pdf iconexternal icon


Dangerous Goods Documentationexternal icon


Click on “Infectious substances” and there is an option to download the packing instructions.


external iconexternal iconLabels for UN 3373 


When using cold packpdf iconpdf icon – Include the name and telephone number of the person who will be available during normal business hours who knows the content of the shipment (can be someone at CDC). Place the label on one side of the box and cover the label completely with clear tape (do not tape just the edges of the label).




Schematic for packaging, UN 3373 Category Bpdf icon
pdf iconpdf icon


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Only provides information about labelling, nothing about shipping safely.
This answer does not specifically mention "COVID-19" anywhere in the response. I'm unsure if these instructions are specifically for COVID-19 patient specimens or for biohazardous materials in general.

Reviewer ratings:
Bad
Acceptable

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions about Biosafety and COVID-19
section_headers: Specimen Packing and Shipping
What information is required on the outer packages for shipment of specimens with dry ice?
section_content: Ensure the outer package has been properly marked and labeled with the
following:

Hazard labeled with UN Identification Number already on label – UN 3373
Biological Substance, Category B
Hazard Labeled with UN Identification Number- UN 1845
Dry Ice along with the net weight (kg) of the dry ice
Shipper’s name and address
Receiver’s name and address
Name and phone number of a responsible person.

For additional information, refer to the following:

Guidance on regulations for the transport of infectious substances 2019 – 2020pdf iconexternal icon
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Packaging Instruction 650 


Packing Instructions 650 for UN 3373external icon


Click on “Infectious substances” and there is an option to download the packing instructions.


Labels for UN 3373 
When using dry icepdf iconpdf icon – Include the name and telephone number of the person who will be available during normal business hours who knows the content of the shipment (can be someone at CDC). Place the label on one side of the box and cover the label completely with clear tape (do not tape just the edges of the label).


Schematic for packaging, UN 3373 Category Bpdf icon


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
This answer is all about how to label the package. It provides no information about safely shipping.
This response seems to be a good response. However, I'm unsure if these directions are for packages containing COVID-19 patient specimens or just any biohazardous package. The answer never specifically says, "COVID-19" in the response.

Reviewer ratings:
Bad
Acceptable

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions about Biosafety and COVID-19
section_headers: Specimen Packing and Shipping
What specific packaging should personnel use when shipping suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 patient specimens, isolates or cultures?
section_content: Pack and ship suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 patient specimens, cultures or
isolates as UN 3373 Biological Substance, Category B, in accordance with the
current edition of the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)external
icon:

A leakproof primary container.
A leakproof, watertight secondary packaging with absorbent material.
A rigid outer packaging to protect the specimens during shipment.

For additional information, refer to the following:

IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Packaging Instruction 650pdf iconexternal icon
Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Laboratory biosafety guidance related to the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)pdf iconexternal icon


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Provides succinct and well-formed information relevant to the question. Provides relevant links for further information.
The response answers the question thoroughly and it also provides a link to more detailed directions in reference to shipping packages containing COVID-19 patient specimens.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent