Dispatch of laboratory samples
The transport of infectious substances (dangerous goods class 6.2), such as laboratory samples and medical test specimen are subject to the general applicable laws and regulations for the carriage of dangerous goods.
The Federal Institute for Material Research and Testing in Berlin (BAM) has created an important site on this issue.
Here you can find examples of correct and incorrect packaging of patient samples as well as a general overview of the transport of infections substances and animal carcasses plus important guidelines on this issue.
Please click here for more information.
Also at "Deutsche Post", the shipping regulations for the transport of hazardous substances and goods in transit with NATIONAL MAIL have been revised. Please click here!
The WHO points out that laboratory samples by humans or animals, suspected or proven to contain the H1N1 virus, must be sent as “Biological substance, Category B” with the UN-Number “UN 3373”. Virus cultures (isolated viruses of A/H1N1) in comparison must be sent as “Category A - infectious substances dangerous to humans” with the “UN 2814”.
A guide for sending infectious substances compiled by the WHO (Dr. Nicoletta Previsani) can be found here!
