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Shipping & Transport of Biological Materials

Domestic Shipping

Before filling out the forms below be sure to have the following information available: recipients name, full address, and phone number, FedEx account number, permits, and material description.

  • Complete Domestic Biological Material Shipping Form. After completion, someone from EHS Biosafety Group (BSG) will reach out to you. Complete the form at least 1 week before your preferred shipment date.
  • Sender must consult with Office of Sponsored Programs prior to shipping to determine if a Material Transfer Agreement is necessary.
  • Cold shipments are typically mailed on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid weekends and sample thawing.
  • Sender is responsible for all permitting, payments, and cooling needs (ice packs, dry ice, or ambient). 
  • BSG will provide appropriate packaging system, package the sample with the sender, and coordinate shipment pickup.

International Shipping

  • Complete the International Shipping Request Form with the Office of Export and Secure Research Compliance (OESRC). After completion, OESRC will notify BSG and we will reach out to you. 
  • International shipments requiring cooling will require specific shipping times or a courier service to maintain temperature.
  • International Shipments may require permitting prior to shipping. The following are examples of permitting agencies:
    • US Fisheries & Wildlife - Issues licenses and permits for shipments involving wildlife
    • USDA/APHIS - Issues permits for the import and interstate transit of regulated animals, animal products, veterinary biologics, plants, plant products, pests, organisms, soil, and genetically engineered organisms
    • CDC - Issues permits on the subsequent transfers of pathogens of high consequence.
  • Sender is responsible for all permitting, payments, and cooling needs (ice packs, dry ice, or ambient). 
  • BSG will provide appropriate packaging system, package the sample with the sender, and coordinate shipment pickup.

Transport of biological materials

Personnel transporting biological material between, or within buildings must follow the procedure below to ensure the materials are contained in a way that will prevent accidental release.

Moving biological materials:

  1. Biological samples must be placed in a primary container that is securely closed. The primary container must be sealed and then placed in a leak-proof secondary container such as a Ziploc bag. The sample is then placed in an outer container (e.g., Sterilite/Rubbermaid tote or Playmate-type cooler) where the lid is securely closed. 
  2. The outside of the secondary container must be free of any biological material so that personnel can carry the package safely between buildings without wearing gloves or lab coats outside.
  3. When transporting liquids in glass vials/containers, place enough absorbent material, such as paper towels, in the space at the top, bottom, and sides between the primary and secondary/outer containers to absorb the entire contents of the primary container(s) in case of breakage or leakage. 
  4. The outside of the outer container must be decontaminated with an approved disinfectant. 
  5. If the material is biohazardous, the outer container must also be labeled with a biohazard symbol.

For added safety, containers should be transported on a cart to further minimize spill hazards. If material must be transported in a vehicle, use of a state vehicle is recommended per university policy.

 

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