How Must Drug Test Specimens Be Packaged for Mailing?

Urine and other specimens sent for drug or alcohol testing are typically exempt human specimens under USPS Publication 52, so they are not regulated as hazardous materials but must be triple packaged under section 346.327 before mailing (Publication 52, 346.12). USPS lists specimens for drug or alcohol testing as an example of samples with a low probability of being infectious.

Primary receptacle. A single primary receptacle must not hold more than 500 milliliters of a liquid specimen or 500 grams of a solid specimen. Several receptacles may share one secondary packaging if the combined amount stays within those limits. Each receptacle must be leakproof or sift proof and wrapped or separated with enough material to protect it and absorb the full contents if it leaks or breaks.

Secondary packaging. The receptacles, absorbent and cushioning must be sealed inside a leakproof (for liquids) or sift-proof (for solids) secondary packaging that can hold if a receptacle breaks in transit. The secondary packaging must be marked with the international biohazard symbol and fit snugly in a fiberboard box or container of equal strength.

Outer packaging. The outer packaging must be strong and rigid, and the secondary packaging cannot serve as the outer packaging. At least one side must measure at least 3.9 inches by 3.9 inches (100 mm by 100 mm). The address side must be marked "Exempt human specimen." Shipping documents and a content marking are not required.

When the exemption does not apply. A specimen that is a Category B infectious substance is not an exempt specimen and must be marked "Biological Substance, Category B" and UN3373 (Publication 52, 346.12). Category A infectious substances are nonmailable (Publication 52, 346.12 and 346.328).

Collection site practice. Packaging is one step in the custody process covered in the FAQ on drug testing chain of custody. Collector duties are described in the FAQ on what a specimen collector does, and receiving laboratories are covered in the FAQ on certified drug testing laboratories.

The FAQ on USPS mailer responsibility for hazardous materials explains who is accountable for a mailing, and the FAQ on USPS hazardous materials penalties covers enforcement.