Pointers on Shipping Clinical Samples, Biological Substance ...

UNACCEPTABLE OUTER PACKAGINGStyrofoam ® boxes, plastic bags and paper envelopesare UNACCEPTABLE outer packaging.Styrofoam Boxes Plastic Bags Paper EnvelopesIn addition, FedEx Express will notaccept Biological SubstanceCategory B (UN 3373) orenvironmental test samplespackaged in the FedEx ® Envelope,FedEx ® Tube, FedEx ® Pak orany FedEx box.FedEx CLINICAL PAKFedEx provides a plastic FedEx Clinical Pak for clinicalsamples, Biological Substance Category B (UN 3373)and environmental test samples with outer packagingsizes under 7" x 4" x 2". The small clinical pak (inventoryNo. 150948) measures 12 1/4" x 9 1/2" and is suitable forshipping single and smaller-sized test specimens. Thelarge clinical pak (inventory No. 135629) measures16" x 12 7/8" and is more appropriate for multiple andlarger specimen shipments.Any individual specimenpackages placed in the FedExClinical Pak must meet the fourbasic packaging requirements(watertight primary receptacle,watertight secondary receptacle,absorbent material and sturdyouter packaging).If you are using the FedExClinical Pak to ship BiologicalSubstance Category B(UN 3373), you must checkthe applicable box on theback of the FedEx Clinical Pak.Shipments marked or labeled6.2 (infectious materials) and/orFedEx PackagingLarge Clinical Pak(Front View)Small Clinical Pak(Back View)containing dry ice cannot be shipped inside theFedEx Clinical Pak. For more information on shippinginfectious substances, call 1.800.GoFedEx1.800.463.3339 and press ”81“ to reach the DangerousGoods/Hazardous Materials Hotline.Clinical Samples That AreDried and Noninfectious:Dried samples such as dried blood, tissue, saliva, hair.While noninfectious samples of dried blood are notdangerous goods and are not required to meetdangerous-goods regulations, they do require specialpackaging that meets FedEx Express guidelines.Dried-blood samples on absorbent pads or cardsfor diagnostic testing must be enclosed in watertightplastic bags and shipped in a sturdy outer containeror commercial envelope. Samples on glass or plasticslides must be adequately cushioned and may beshipped inside a sturdy outer container or flexibleenvelopepackaging. Use of the FedEx Clinical Pakis optional.Environmental Test SamplesPackaging of environmental test samples such assoil and water must meet the four basic packagingrequirements for blood, urine or other clinical samples.Adequate internal filler or cushioning must be providedto protect contents. Temperature-control requirementsof environmental test samples are the shipper’sresponsibility. For information on temperature-controlmethods, read Packaging <strong>Pointers</strong>: PerishableShipments at fedex.com.FedEx Package Testing andDesign ServicesFedEx offers package testing, evaluation and designservices that may help you avoid damage problemsand eliminate unnecessary packaging costs. The FedExPackaging Design and Development departmentencourages all shippers of clinical samples orenvironmental test samples to submit packagingsamples for test or evaluation. To obtain a PackageServices Application, go to fedex.com or call1.800.633.7019.FedEx Information ResourcesFor information regarding noninfectious, infectiousor dangerous-goods shipments, call 1.800.GoFedEx1.800.463.3339 and press “81” to reach the DangerousGoods/Hazardous Materials Hotline.