Packaging & Shipping Training

The Laboratory Preparedness, Education and Safety (LPES) unit of the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory (MSPHL) provides regional trainings regarding the proper packaging and shipping of Division 6.2 Infectious Substances as well as shipments requiring the use of dry ice.

The United States Government and international transport agencies regulate division 6.2 materials such as cultures and patient specimens containing infectious materials while in commerce. The Department of Transportation (DOT), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Public Health Service, designated as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have all published documents regarding packaging and shipping of infectious agents. Commercial carriers such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL have additional requirements. These regulations have been created to ensure safe handling and transport of such materials. Strict adherence to these regulations is imperative to remain in compliance and to avoid fines against your facility. The shipper is always responsible for the shipment until it reaches its final destination.

If you and your facility are involved in the packaging and shipping of biological specimens, you should give serious consideration to attending. Please keep in mind that the individuals chosen to attend this program will be responsible for training the rest of your facility. DOT regulations state those individuals handling hazardous materials must be trained initially upon hire (within 90 days) and at least every three years as a refresher, or when regulations change. Those who ship hazardous materials by air are required to be trained initially upon hire (within 90 days) and at least every two years as a refresher, or when regulations change.

Program Objectives:

Outline the responsibilities of the shipper regarding training, record keeping and handling of specimens
Discuss the regulations of agencies with jurisdiction over aspects of packaging and shipping Division 6.2 infectious substances and dry ice
Discuss the correct procedure for packaging a variety of biological specimens including package selection, labeling and paperwork completion
Discuss the correct procedure for packaging and shipping urine and blood specimens to be tested for chemical agents
List resources useful for keeping well informed of regulatory changes related to packaging and shipping

Upon completion of this program, the participant will be able to train current and new employees in their facility who will be directly involved in the process of packaging and shipping biological specimens.

Individuals interested in attending one of these courses should click on the registration form link below. Registration Form

For questions contact:
Laboratory Preparedness, Education and Safety (LPES) Team
Missouri State Public Health Laboratory
101 North Chestnut Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Email: SPHL.LPES@health.mo.gov

Phone: 573-522-1444 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday)
Fax: 573-526-7368
Email: labweb1@health.mo.gov

Contact

State Public Health Laboratory
101 N. Chestnut Street
PO Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
Directions to the Laboratory
Phone: 573-751-3334
Fax: 573-526-2754
Email: labweb1@health.mo.gov

For laboratory-related public health emergencies occurring after normal business hours, contact the Department of Health and Senior Services at 1-800-392-0272.
Reachable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Newborn Screening
101 N. Chestnut Street
PO Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
Phone: 573-751-2662
Fax: 573-522-8155

Breath Alcohol Program
1903 Northwood Drive, STE 4
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Phone: 573-840-9140 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday)
Fax: 573-840-9139
Email: breathalcohol@health.mo.gov

Program Objectives:

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