USPS Packaging Instruction 6H

Exempt Human or Animal Specimens

Exempt human or animal specimens as defined in 346.12d are not subject to regulation as hazardous materials, but when presented for mailing, they must be properly packaged. See 346.326.

“Exempt human or animal specimen” means a human or animal sample (including, but not limited to, secreta, excreta, blood and its components, tissue and tissue fluids, and body parts) transported for routine testing not related to the diagnosis of an infectious disease.

Typically, exempt human specimens are specimens for which there is a low probability that the sample is infectious, such as specimens for drug or alcohol testing; cholesterol testing; blood glucose level testing; prostate-specific antigens (PSA) testing; testing to monitor heart, kidney, or liver function; pregnancy testing; and testing for diagnosis of noninfectious diseases such as cancer biopsies.

Proper Shipping Name

• Not applicable (not regulated under 49 CFR as a hazardous material in domestic commerce).

Mailability

• International Mail: Mailable. They are not subject to regulation as hazardous materials, but when presented for mailing, they must be packaged as identified in 346.326.
• Domestic Mail: Permitted via air or surface transportation when packaging requirements are met.

Required Packaging

Primary Receptacle

• Material must be triple-packaged in leakproof (for liquids) or siftproof (for solids) primary receptacles.
• A single primary receptacle must not contain more than 500 ml of a liquid specimen or 500 grams of a solid specimen.
• Two or more primary receptacles whose combined volume does not exceed 500 ml (for liquids) or 500 grams (for solids) may be enclosed in a single secondary container.
• Sufficient cushioning and absorbent materials must surround each primary receptacle containing liquid.

Secondary Container

• The secondary container cannot serve as the outer shipping container.
• The secondary container must be securely and snugly enclosed in a fiberboard box or container of equivalent strength that serves as the outer shipping container. The outer shipping container must be rigid.
• The secondary container must be marked with the international biohazard symbol shown in Exhibit 346.321.

Marking/Documentation

• The outer shipping container must be marked on the address side with the words “Exempt human specimen” or “Exempt animal specimen,” as appropriate. In addition, at least one surface of the outer packaging must have a minimum dimension of 3.9 inches by 3.9 inches (100 mm by 100 mm).
• A shipping paper is not required.