ASM, in partnership with the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and other key clinical laboratory partners, ha​s updated the "Packing and Shipping Infectious Substances" Sentinel Level Clinical Laboratory Guidelines for Suspected Agents of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infectious Diseases. The revised version includes general updates and clarifying regulatory interpretations for common packaging and shipping regulations and requirements applicable to clinical laboratories. The revisions include expanded content for exempt and non-regulated materials, use of couriers, training and emergency response information. New tables, figures and images have also been included.  

This guidance is designed primarily for those shipping diagnostic specimens from a clinical laboratory, but is applicable for use for anyone shipping infectious or other biological materials. Laboratories should follow this guidance for safety and legal compliance and are reminded to check the regulatory resources listed in this document for annual updates.