DOT-compliant transport of Category B biological substances (UN 3373). carGO Health provides trained couriers, compliant packaging protocols, and documented handling for clinical and diagnostic specimens classified under UN 3373 shipping regulations.
UN 3373 is the United Nations classification for Category B biological substances—materials known or reasonably expected to contain infectious agents but not in a form capable of causing permanent disability or life-threatening disease in healthy humans. This includes the vast majority of clinical and diagnostic specimens transported by medical couriers.
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) under 49 CFR 173.199 regulates the packaging and transport of UN 3373 materials. Compliance requires triple-layer packaging (primary receptacle, secondary packaging, outer packaging), absorbent material, proper labeling, and trained personnel.
Trained Couriers: Every courier trained in DOT hazardous materials regulations applicable to Category B biological substances. Training includes proper packaging verification, labeling, and incident response.
Packaging Standards: Triple-packaging protocols compliant with 49 CFR 173.199. Primary leak-proof receptacle, secondary leak-proof packaging with absorbent, rigid outer packaging.
Labeling & Marking: Proper UN 3373 diamond marking on outer packaging. “Biological Substance, Category B” identification.
Spill Kits & PPE: Every courier equipped with OSHA-compliant spill kits and personal protective equipment.
Exposure Control Plan: Comprehensive OSHA-compliant biohazard exposure control plan covering training, incident response, and post-exposure procedures.
Documentation: chain-of-custody documentation for every UN 3373 shipment. Records for regulatory compliance.
Blood & Blood Components: Whole blood, serum, plasma for diagnostic testing.
Urine & Body Fluids: Urine, CSF, synovial fluid, and other body fluid specimens.
Tissue & Biopsy: Formalin-fixed tissue, fresh biopsies, surgical specimens.
Microbiology Cultures: Wound cultures, sputum, stool, and other microbiology specimens.
Swabs & Secretions: Nasal, throat, wound, and other swab specimens.
UN 3373 is the United Nations classification for Category B biological substances—materials that may contain infectious agents but are not expected to cause permanent disability or life-threatening disease in healthy humans. This classification covers the vast majority of clinical specimens transported between healthcare facilities: blood tubes, urine samples, tissue biopsies, wound swabs, and microbiological cultures. While Category A substances (UN 2814/2900) require full hazmat certification and specialized packaging, Category B specimens under UN 3373 follow a standardized triple-packaging system that balances safety with practical logistics.
The triple-packaging system requires a leak-proof primary container (the specimen tube or cup), a leak-proof secondary container (a sealable bag with absorbent material sufficient to contain the entire primary container contents), and a rigid outer container marked with the UN 3373 diamond label and the proper shipping name “Biological Substance, Category B.” carGO Health's couriers verify this packaging at every pickup as part of our OSHA-compliant handling protocols.
UN 3373 compliance is not just about packaging—it extends to courier training, vehicle preparation, spill response capability, and documentation. Our couriers carry spill kits in every vehicle and are trained in bloodborne pathogen exposure protocols per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030. Chain-of-custody documentation records the packaging condition at pickup. HIPAA-compliant handling protects the patient information associated with each specimen.
Laboratories and hospitals that use non-compliant couriers risk DOT penalties, OSHA citations, and specimen rejection by receiving labs. CLIA and CAP inspectors review transport compliance as part of laboratory accreditation. carGO Health's UN 3373-compliant transport eliminates this risk for every specimen we handle.
carGO Health covers the full Northeast: NY, NJ, CT, MA, PA, DE, MD, VA, NH, VT.
Our chain-of-custody system documents UN 3373 packaging verification at pickup.
Laboratory clients require UN 3373 compliance for every specimen shipment.
Medical specimen transport follows UN 3373 triple-packaging requirements for all Category B biological substances.
UN 3373 compliance is one component of our broader OSHA-compliant handling program.
Learn more about our comprehensive medical courier service in New York.
Dry ice shipping at -78.5°C is critical for clinical trial materials and certain biologics.
Frozen specimen transport at -20°C handles plasma, sera, and frozen tissue samples.
Refrigerated transport at 2-8°C serves pharmaceutical and vaccine logistics.
Learn more about our comprehensive medical courier service in New York.
Yes. Couriers trained in 49 CFR hazardous materials regulations. Triple-packaging protocols, proper labeling, spill kits, and exposure control plan.
Yes. Couriers trained to verify proper UN 3373 packaging before accepting specimens for transport.
Category A substances require additional DOT permitting and are outside standard medical courier scope. Contact us to discuss specific needs.
Standard specimen transport pricing. UN 3373 compliance is built into our service—not an add-on. Contact us for a quote.