Shipping recommendations for exempt specimen samples
Summary of recommendations
For samples that are not expected to be pathogenic, the following packaging is recommended for shipping
the container with the collection specimen:•a capped DNA Genotek collection tube or disc (with or without secondary rigid plastic container),•a liquid-tight bag with biohazard logo to hold the capped container,•absorbent material in the liquid-tight bag sufficient to soak up at least 4 mL of liquid, and•an outer mailing envelope labeled as either “EXEMPT HUMAN SPECIMEN” or “EXEMPT ANIMALSPECIMEN”.

This complete kit is available for purchase from DNA Genotek, including all relevant labels and instructions.
Please contact sales@dnagenotek.com or reference our website at www.dnagenotek.com for different mailer
product options.

Background
Air transportation of diagnostic specimens is governed under authority of the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) and its regulations are published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Since courier services designated as “ground” may involve an air transport segment, the IATA publications
are broadly applicable to both air and ground shipment.
The IATA Dangerous Goods Manual was revised on January 1, 2005, and most recently amended according
to Addendum III, issued on July 5, 2005. This addendum introduces the following guidance:
3.6.2.2.3.6 Patient specimens for which there is minimal likelihood that pathogens are present
are not subject to these regulations if the specimen is transported in a packaging which will
prevent any leakage and which is marked with the words “EXEMPT HUMAN SPECIMEN”
or “EXEMPT ANIMAL SPECIMEN”, as appropriate. The packaging must meet the followingconditions:(a) The packaging must consist of three components:(1) a leak-proof primary receptacle(s),(2) a leak-proof secondary packaging, and(3) an outer packaging of adequate strength for its capacity, mass and intended use, andwith at least one surface having minimum dimensions of 100 mm × 100 mm.
(b) For liquids, absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents must
be placed between the primary receptacle(s) and the secondary packaging so that, duringtransport, any release or leak of a liquid substance will not reach the outer packaging andwill not compromise the integrity of the cushioning material(c) When multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging,
they must be either individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact between them.

PD-WP-009 Issue 3/2011-12© 2011 DNA Genotek Inc., a subsidiary of OraSure Technologies, Inc., all rights reserved.

www.dnagenotek.com • support@dnagenotek.com

NOTE:In determining whether a patient specimen has a minimal likelihood that pathogens are present,
an element of professional judgment is required to determine if a substance is exempt underthis paragraph. That judgment should be based on the known medical history, symptoms andindividual circumstances of the source, human or animal, and endemic local conditions.
Examples of specimens which may be transported under this paragraph include the bloodor urine tests to monitor cholesterol levels, blood glucose levels, hormone levels, or prostate
specific antigens (PSA); tests required to monitor organ function such as heart, liver or kidney
function for humans or animals with non-infectious diseases, or therapeutic drug monitoring;tests conducted for insurance or employment purposes and are intended to determine thepresence of drugs or alcohol; pregnancy tests; biopsies to detect cancer and antibody detection
in humans or animals.
For those collecting samples which may not fit the definition above, more stringent requirements fortransportation apply. These include the use of a rigid outer container, application of UN2814 (Category Apathogens) or UN3373 (Category B pathogens) labels and demonstration of compliance with pressure tests.
More information is available upon request from DNA Genotek, directly from IATA, or from your localcarrier or postal service.

All DNA Genotek protocols, white papers and application notes, are available in the support section of our website at www.dnagenotek.com.

PD-WP-009 Issue 3/2011-12© 2011 DNA Genotek Inc., a subsidiary of OraSure Technologies, Inc., all rights reserved.

www.dnagenotek.com • support@dnagenotek.com

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