Specimen Delivery and Courier Information

This is an exciting period for our state and Kansas City! Kansas City has been chosen as one of the host cities for six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, with games in Kansas City taking place from June 16 to July 11. As a major international event, the games could draw more than 650,000 visitors to the KC metro area. We encourage everyone, particularly those in Kansas City, to start planning ahead. Even on non-match days, there might be a surge of people participating in World Cup-related activities. You can find more information about the World Cup at these links:

Due to the World Cup, the MSPHL is temporarily adding courier pickups on Fridays at health departments in Missouri. This temporary schedule will run Friday, May 15 through Friday, July 31. There are many factors that will contribute to the courier schedule and timeliness. We will do our best to keep the courier pickup information current on this page. We recommend calling ahead to make sure the pickup facility is open before traveling to the location, as well as planning ahead to ensure your package is at the drop-off location as early as possible. During this time, the courier will run the holiday route and only pickup at hospitals on Monday, May 25, Friday, June 19, and Friday, July 3.

Courier Service for Specimen Transport

The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory (MSPHL) offers a courier service with 166 pickup locations across the state, including 50 hospitals and 116 local public health agencies. Using our courier helps your specimens arrive at the lab by 7:30 AM the next morning for faster processing.

Find a Courier Location and Schedule

To find a location, its hours, and its specific pickup schedule, see the Courier Location map below. The Courier Location map includes filters for Friday, Sunday and holiday schedules, which are available at most hospitals. Since hours can change, we recommend checking the map each time before you drop off a specimen.

How to Prepare Your Specimen

  • Packaging: All specimens must be packaged safely according to the Department of Transportation's rules for hazardous materials. Our drivers will refuse improperly packaged specimens.

 

  • Address: All packages and envelopes must be addressed to one of the following:
    • DNR, 2710 West Main Street
    • MSPHL, DHSS Mailroom, or Vital Records
      • 101 North Chestnut Street
      • PO Box 570

Please note: Hospitals have the right to refuse rabies specimens.

 

Current Courier Schedule

  • Monday – Thursday: Regular courier service is available.
  • Fridays, Sundays & Holidays: Limited service is available, primarily at hospitals. Please check the Courier Location Map for participating locations.

Walk-Up Delivery in Jefferson City

You can also deliver specimens directly to the MSPHL loading dock at 101 North Chestnut Street, Jefferson City, Missouri. Walk-up hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on state and federal holidays - State Holidays | Office of Administration).

Have Questions?

For any questions about the courier service, please contact MSPHL:

  • Phone: (573) 751-4830
  • Email: SPHLCourier@health.mo.gov

Courier Locations