All samples submitted with needles included in the packaging will be immediately rejected. This includes needles attached to syringes or submitted for disposal in the laboratory. Sharps disposal is strictly the responsibility of the sample collector. It is illegal to ship used sharps in unauthorized containers and this practice poses a significant risk to mail carriers and laboratory employees. Beyond safety concerns, there are significant fines associated with improper shipment of sharps and costs associated with occupational healthcare for injured employees.
- Please review government regulations for hazard materials handling (49CFR ยง 173.134 Class 6, Division 6.2).
- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has resources for veterinary clinics navigating required training for packaging and shipping of infectious substances. https://www.avma.org/resources/practice-management/required-training-packaging-and-shipping-lab-specimens
- As always, review our website for specific packaging requirements for each test. Note that testing for select agents (Bacillus anthracis, Francisella tularensis, or Yersinia pestis) have additional packaging requirements beyond those of other tests due to potential significant risks to human and animal health.