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Review
. 2019:1897:433-443.
doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8935-5_35.

Domestic and International Shipping of Biospecimens

Dominique Gordy  1 , Randy S Tashjian  1 , Hannah Lee  1 , Masoud Movassaghi  1 , William H Yong  2   3   4
Affiliations
Review

Domestic and International Shipping of Biospecimens

Dominique Gordy et al. Methods Mol Biol. 2019.

Abstract

The packaging and shipment of biospecimens is a multistep process for which a distinct set of regulations needs to be followed, depending on whether a biospecimen is shipped domestically or internationally and whether the shipment contains hazardous materials. Shipments may be delayed if these regulations are not followed. Once learned, the process is straightforward. Major principles include double or triple packaging, adequate absorbent material, appropriate coolant, accurate labeling, and complete documentation. Training in packaging and shipping is often offered at major biomedical institutions and is a requirement to avoid shipping biohazards.

Keywords: Biobank; Biohazard; Biospecimen; Dry ice; Frozen; IATA; Shipping.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Triple packaging container (8).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
A completely labeled outer package for a Category B biological substance (13).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
A completely labeled outer package for a Category A infectious substance (13).
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Schematic diagram for domestic and international shipping.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. AZoM (2006) CAS Numbers and UN Numbers – Identifications Systems for Materials and Chemical. https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=3506. Accessed 20 Sept 2017
    1. UN3373 Medical Packaging (2016) Regulations for UN3373. http://www.un3373.com/info/regulations/. Accessed 20 Sept 2017
    1. US Government Publishing Office (2011) Code of Federal Regulations. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/CFR-2011-title49-vol2/CFR-2011-title49-.... Accessed 20 Aug 2015

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