Which statement best describes the proper classification for a tissue sample used in HLA typing when shipped on dry ice by air via FedEx?

Which statement best describes the proper classification for a tissue sample used in HLA typing when shipped on dry ice by air via FedEx?

• A. It Must Be Transported by Ground Only
• B. It Should Be Classified as an Exempt Human Specimen
• C. It Requires a Full Hazard Declaration
• D. It Must Be Accompanied by a Category A Labeling

Answer: (C)

Shipping a tissue sample for HLA typing on dry ice by air makes the package a dangerous goods shipment. Dry ice (carbon dioxide in solid form) is classified as a Class 9 hazardous material, and air transport requires formal hazard communication. The way to comply is to provide a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods, which is the binding document that lays out the correct hazard class, UN number, packing method, quantity, and emergency contact. In other words, a full hazard declaration is required to legally and safely transport this by air. This isn’t about Category A labeling, which is reserved for infectious substances that must be treated as higher-risk products. It also isn’t an exempt human specimen shipment, because the presence of dry ice elevates the material to dangerous goods. Ground-only transport isn’t relevant here since the shipment is by air.

Shipping a tissue sample for HLA typing on dry ice by air makes the package a dangerous goods shipment. Dry ice (carbon dioxide in solid form) is classified as a Class 9 hazardous material, and air transport requires formal hazard communication. The way to comply is to provide a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods, which is the binding document that lays out the correct hazard class, UN number, packing method, quantity, and emergency contact. In other words, a full hazard declaration is required to legally and safely transport this by air.

This isn’t about Category A labeling, which is reserved for infectious substances that must be treated as higher-risk products. It also isn’t an exempt human specimen shipment, because the presence of dry ice elevates the material to dangerous goods. Ground-only transport isn’t relevant here since the shipment is by air.