How to ship clinical samples

This document outlines the guidelines for shipping with FedEx Express. For the purposes of this guide, clinical samples are generally defined as non-infectious human or animal materials including, but not limited to, excreta, secreta, tissue and tissue fluids, blood and FDA-approved pharmaceuticals that are blood products.

All shipments must comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws governing packing, marking and labeling. Blood, urine, fluids, and other specimens containing or suspected of containing infectious substances must be shipped according to applicable government, International Air Transport Association (IATA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations.

Steps for how to ship liquid clinical samples

For liquid clinical samples, you must include four layers of packaging.

Secure liquid sample in a watertight inner receptacle

Use watertight containers for liquid specimens with a positive closure such as a screw-on, snap-on or push-on lid, taped for an additional seal. If you place multiple fragile primary receptacles in a single secondary receptacle, they must be individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact between them.

Apply absorbent material

Place absorbent material between the primary and secondary receptacles, using enough material to absorb the entire contents of all primary receptacles. Acceptable absorbent materials include cellulose wadding, cotton balls, super-absorbent packets and paper towels.

Secure liquid sample in a secondary inner receptacle

We recommend using a secondary watertight inner receptacle. Use a watertight sealed plastic bag, plastic canister or screw-cap can.

Pack liquid sample in outer packaging

Ensure outer packaging is of adequate strength for its capacity, mass and intended use. It is recommended that sturdy rigid outer packaging constructed of corrugated fiberboard, wood, metal, plastic, or other equally strong material appropriately sized for the contents be used. Chipboard, paperboard boxes, and paper envelopes are unacceptable outer packaging. It is recommended that outer packaging be placed in an Overwrap/Overpack to provide added protection during transit. The completed packaging must be of good quality, strong enough to withstand the normal rigors of transportation without loss of contents as a result of vibration, changes in temperature, humidity or pressure.

The FedEx^® Clinical Pak may be used to ship any dry clinical sample.

Liquid clinical samples marking requirements

Include a marking on the package that properly identifies the shipment as “Exempt Human Specimen” or “Exempt Animal Specimen” as appropriate to comply with current IATA and ICAO regulations. If you prefer, package markings may be in the form of a label.

Steps for how to ship dry clinical samples

1. Secure dry sample in the envelope

Place dried samples, including but not limited to hair, swabs, or dried blood, into a sealed paper or plastic envelope.

Note: If the dried sample is placed in a receptacle with a liquid preservative, then follow the packaging guidelines for shipping liquid samples.

2. Package and seal dry clinical sample

Ship all dry clinical samples inside a Tyvek^® or flexible^® plastic envelope, padded envelope, paperboard envelope or paper mailer measuring 6" x 8" or larger.

If samples are cushioned on glass or plastic slides, package in a sturdy outer container to prevent breakage and puncturing.

The FedEx® Clinical Pak may be used to ship any dry clinical sample.

Dry clinical samples marking requirements

FedEx Clinical Paks

FedEx clinical packaging options

For your convenience, we offer the FedEx Small Clinical Pak, FedEx Large Clinical Pak, FedEx^® Medium Clinical Box, and the FedEx^® Large Clinical Box as packaging options for exempt clinical-sample shipments. We recommend the FedEx Clinical Paks for use when the outer packaging of your properly packaged shipment is smaller than the minimum acceptable package size 7" x 4" x 2" (17.78 cm x 10.16 cm x 5.08 cm).

To help ensure the timely delivery of your shipment and the safety of shipments exposed to yours, our clinical paks and boxes help your clinical shipments stand apart from other shipments.

To order FedEx clinical packaging, go to fedex.com or call 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339.

FedEx clinical packaging options for purchase

We offer five cold shipping boxes as part of the FedEx Temp-Assure^® portfolio of products for purchase. These boxes can be used as outer packaging to ship temperature-sensitive clinical samples via FedEx Express services.

Each box includes a chilling unit activated by the shipper and placed in the box with the shipment. The unit continuously evaporates small amounts of water at low pressure, keeping the shipment at 2°C to 8°C for up to 48 or 96 hours,* depending on the packaging option chosen.

Packaging guidelines

The FedEx Large Clinical and the FedEx Small Clinical Paks are overwraps primarily designed to handle smaller completed packages. The Paks provide a larger area for applying shipping labels and improve overall sample containment.

The FedEx Large Clinical and the FedEx Small Clinical Paks can be used to ship non-infectious samples when inner packaging is prepared according to the guidelines provided. If you need an overpack for shipments of Biological Substance, Category B (UN 3373) materials, use the FedEx UN 3373 Pak.

Liquid blood and liquid blood products must always be placed in sturdy outer packaging before being placed in a FedEx Large Clinical or a FedEx Small Clinical Pak.

The FedEx Large Clinical and the FedEx Small Clinical Paks can be used to ship dried samples when packaged according to the dried sample guidelines.

The FedEx Medium Clinical Box, the FedEx Large Clinical Box, and the following Temp-Assure cold shipping boxes can be used to ship clinical samples: Small Cold Box (2–8°) Standard Duration (48 Hours); Medium Cold Box (2–8°) Standard Duration (48 Hours); Medium Cold Box (2–8°) Extended Duration (96 Hours); Large Cold Box (2–8°) Standard Duration (48 Hours); and Large Cold Box (2–8°) Extended Duration (96 Hours). Other FedEx packaging is not acceptable as outer containers for clinical samples.

Shipments marked or labeled as hazard class 6.2 (infectious materials) and shipments containing dry ice cannot be shipped in FedEx packaging.

If you have questions about whether your shipments require a biohazard label, consult the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for the applicable regulations.

Contacts and resources

How to Pack guidelines at fedex.com/packaging.

FedEx portfolio of temperature-controlled solutions.

FedEx Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Hotline, 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339; press “81” or say “dangerous goods,” then press “4” for the next available dangerous goods agent.

FedEx Dangerous Goods seminars and job aid.

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Get your package to a FedEx location

Schedule a pickup online

Save time and effort by scheduling a convenient one-time pickup online for a small fee. One of our couriers will pick up your shipment from your home, office or other preferred location.

Schedule Pickup

Drop off your shipment

NOTE: You may drop off properly packaged clinical samples in most FedEx Express® Drop Boxes in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

FedEx Office® Print and Ship Center locations and FedEx Ship Center® locations accept clinical samples properly packaged in FedEx packaging.

Refer to the Service Guide, Terms and Conditions, Dangerous Goods section, for current limitations on locations that cannot accept clinical samples. Information is also available in the Terms in Conditions on which locations do not accept UN 3373, Biological Substance, Category B.

For more information, go to the Service Guide or call 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 to be directed to a FedEx location equipped to handle these shipments.

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