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Courier Instructions
General Packaging Instructions
Guidelines for Shipping Non-Infectious Substances within the United States
Shipper's Responsibility
Preparation / Shipping of Etiologic Agents
Shipping Infectious Substances with Courier
To determine if an AMS courier services your area, please call Client Services at: 1-800-876-0243.
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The shipper is responsible for compliance with all shipping regulations regarding proper packaging. To ensure the most rapid turn around times and to preserve the integrity of the specimen, please follow the guidelines listed below. Please call Client Services at1-800-876-0243 if you have any questions regarding test ordering or specimen requirements.
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The shipper is required to comply with the rules and guidelines for transport of medical specimens as set forth by the United States government, the government of the country of origin and international regulatory agencies. Failure to follow instructions for packaging and shipping specimens can result in the delay, loss or destruction of your specimens. AMS will not be held responsible for any liability attributable to the shipper’s improper actions or failure to comply with regulations.
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Federal regulations require that etiologic agents (infectious substances) be properly prepared and packaged before they are shipped. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 42, Sections 72.1 through 72.5, governs the shipment of etiologic agents. The requirements are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other packaging or other requirements for the transportation of the etiologic agents in interstate traffic prescribed by the Department of Transportation and other agencies of the Federal Government. AMS is limited to receiving those specimens listed in the Directory of Services and not all those listed under 52 CFR 72.3.
Certain specimens being sent to AMS may be considered to be infectious substances. “An infectious substance means a viable microorganism, or its toxin, that causes or may cause disease in humans or animals, and includes those agents listed in 42 CFR 72.3 of the regulations of the Department of Health and Human Services and any other agent that causes or may cause severe, disabling or fatal disease. The terms infectious substance and etiologic agent are synonymous.”
As the shipper, you are responsible for reviewing specimens to determine if they are considered infectious before sending to AMS or giving them to an AMS courier for shipment. It is important that you make the determination of whether a specimen is infectious based upon your knowledge of the specimen being sent.
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In order to prepare a specimen for our courier that is considered an infectious substance, you should package specimen in Exakt-Pak container provided by AMS. If you do not have an Exakt-Pak container, please call AMS Customer Service at 1-800-876-0243.
If you would like more information on the Department of Transportation regulations concerning the shipment of infectious substances, please contact AMS Customer Service at 1-800-876-0243.
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