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South Dakota Department of Health
South Dakota Department of Health
Emerging Issues:
Measles Cases in South Dakota

Laboratory

Packaging & Shipping

Whether you are a researcher, healthcare professional, or laboratory personnel, this resource is designed to equip you with the knowledge and guidelines necessary to safely and efficiently handle infectious substances during transportation. From understanding regulatory requirements to mastering proper packaging techniques, we cover a wide range of topics to ensure compliance, protect specimen integrity and safeguard public health. Explore our expert insights, best practices and practical tips to confidently package and ship infectious substances.

Prepare the Isolate/Clinical Specimen for Shipment

Preparing Isolates

Prepare the Isolate/Clinical Specimen for Shipment.

Learn More About Preparing Isolates

Sending the Specimen

Send the Specimen to the State Laboratory.

Learn More About Sending the Specimen

Shipper's Responsibility

Learn Responsibilities When Shipping Infectious Substances.

Learn More About Shipper's Responsibility

Submitting Isolates

Learn how to address your package.

Learn More About Submitting Isolates

2025 Package and Shipping Workshop - CANCELLED

The 2025 Package and Shipping Workshop is being canceled due to a lack of funding. We apologize for the inconvenience.

While free online training to get certified for both DOT and IATA shipping of infectious substances is not widely available, some resources offer free introductory materials and options for cost-effective training. If you need to get certified for handling and shipping infectious substances according to DOT (Department of Transportation) and/or IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations, you have several options for online training and certification.

Online Training Providers:

Important Notes:

  • Refresher Training: Remember that refresher training is required periodically (typically every 2-3 years, depending on the regulations) to maintain certification.
  • Employer Responsibility: Even with certified training, the employer is ultimately responsible for ensuring employees are properly trained and verifying that training.
  • Carrier-Specific Requirements: Even if you ship via a third-party carrier like FedEx or DHL, you are required to complete the necessary training.
  • Mayo Clinic Laboratories: Mayo Clinic Laboratories provides training for clients and couriers limited to shipping medical specimens. They encourage non-clients/couriers to seek commercial training providers.