Shipping Instructions

It is the diagnostic laboratory client’s responsibility to know and follow shipping/mailing regulations – including any necessary staff training- for sending diagnostic specimens to the laboratory, regardless of the carrier chosen. Recent significant changes to the regulations for shipping diagnostic, clinical, or patient specimens can be found on the websites for all major carriers.

• UPS  
• US Postal Service
• FedEx  

In summary, all clinical or diagnostic samples must be triple packaged, with the outer package of sturdy rigid construction (cooler, corrugated fiberboard, rigid plastic) and with leak-proof primary and secondary inner containers with absorbent material between the primary and secondary container. THE PACKAGE MUST NOT LEAK!

Some of the above carriers also require that the secondary container be marked with the internationally accepted Biohazard markings and all require that the outer packaging be marked with appropriate labeling (“Biological Substance, Category B” and the appropriate UN code within a diamond mark “UN 3373”). Furthermore, the name, address, and telephone number of the shipper must be marked on the outer container or enclosed in an envelope on the outer container.

Outer packaging composed of brown paper envelopes, plastic carrier envelopes (i.e., UPS or FedEx envelopes), and Styrofoam containers, are NOT IN COMPLANCE. All three major carriers in Alabama (USPS, UPS, and FedEx) have warned that improperly prepared or labeled packages are subject to return or disposal in the near future. Laboratory clients are strongly encouraged following the proper regulations now to avoid such problems.

Our Shipping & Receiving Department (334-844-7226) can assist with referring to appropriate resources or answering shipping questions. The ultimate responsibility however for knowing and following the regulations rests with the submitter.

Labeling

• Label each specimen with the owner's last name and the animal's name/number, and the tissue type.
• For serology, clearly distinguish acute samples from convalescent samples.
• Label serology tubes from herds or flocks in numerical and consecutive order (1, 2, 3, etc.)

Packing

• Place the tubes into the serum boxes in the order corresponding to the test charts.
• Samples shipped in cardboard boxes should be placed in a waterproof liner and sealed tightly to prevent leakage.
• If shipping fluid specimens in self-sealing plastic bags, double bag each specimen to avoid leakage.
• Ship frozen or refrigerated material in a properly insulated container, clearly marked on the outside as a frozen/refrigerated laboratory specimen.
• Use gel packs for a refrigerant.
• Enclose the submittal form(s) in a waterproof bag and place it on top of the specimens in the shipping container.

Shipping

• Shipping by overnight courier is preferred.
• The sender is responsible for postage or special delivery charges.

Shipping Address: UPS and Fed Ex

• TBS State Diagnostic Laboratory
• 890 Simms Road
• Auburn, AL 36832
• Phone: 334-844-7226

Postal Address

• TBS State Diagnostic Laboratory
• P.O. Box 2209
• Auburn, AL 36831-2209
• Phone 334-844-7226

Shipping Regulations

• Diagnostic specimens must be shipped in accordance with the U.S. Government Code of Federal Regulations. See reference above.
• The Alabama Diagnostic Laboratories accept specimens only from the United States. No permits have been issued to accept specimens from outside of the USA.