Question: What info should go on the box when shipping COVID-19 specimens?

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:
Has detailed, specific information on how to label the box carrying coronavirus samples.
This response is perfect as it provides a numbered list of the things a package should be labeled with. This answers exactly what the question wanted to know

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent

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:
Another numbered list that lists exactly the things the question was looking for. Plenty of links on how to package it as well which is relevant and useful
Specifies exactly what information should go to the label for the box with coronavirus samples.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent

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 an overpack if used for specimen shipment?
section_content: The overpack should be marked in accordance with the packing instructions
required for the outer package:

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

For additional information, refer to the following:
• IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Packaging Instruction 650pdf iconexternal
iconpdf iconexternal
icon
• Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing
Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19)

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
A great answer that lists things in numbered order of what should go on the box. There's also links to handling and processing specimens which is relevant
Has detailed specifications for how to label boxes with coronavirus samples.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent