With the ongoing outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, concerns increase as to whether this outbreak will mirror the Ebola crises of 2014. During the 2014 outbreak, the CDC issued many statements, articles, and webpages helping create a better understanding of the crises and its impact on us. For the clinical laboratory industry, we witnessed an increased concern that routine samples could potentially contain the Ebola virus. CLIA Labs began questioning the method of transporting patient specimens suspected of containing the Ebola virus.
For shipping purposes, the transport regulations are very clear that any patient specimen known or suspected to contain the Ebola virus must be shipped as a Category A Infectious Substance (UN2814). In 2014, samples being shipped or transported to the CDC were to be kept at 4°C or frozen during transit.
As we continue to monitor the Ebola outbreak, if your lab receives requests to obtain shipping systems capable of transporting suspected Ebola samples, please use the information below to make your selection.
Attention:
Anyone who classifies, identifies, packs, marks, labels or completes documentation forms for shipments containing Infectious Substances Cat A UN2900 or UN2814, Cat B UN3373, or Exempt patient specimen must be trained and certified. International regulations are set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), U.S. DOT 49 Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR), Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (Canadian TDGR), European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) and Regulations Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID).
Ebola Shippers: Certified Category A Infectious Substance (UN2814) Shipping Systems
Option 1:
STP-310
STT-410-1000
Option 2:
STP-300
STP-100
STT-410-1000