Transporting samples to the laboratory

Before sending your samples

• Check you have prepared your samples correctly.
• Decide which transport option best suits your needs.
• Register an account with a courier company, if you are planning to use this method of transport—this process may take several days.
• Review the veterinary laboratory users guide and specimen receipt policy for advice on submitting samples.
• Complete a specimen advice sheet—print and include it with your submission.
• If your samples are urgent, phone the laboratory in advance on (07) 3708 8762.
• Check your sample classification and packaging requirements for transporting biological specimens—also review the Australian Government's requirements for the packaging and transport of pathology specimens and associated materials.

Do not send samples to arrive at the laboratory on the weekend or public holidays, unless you have arranged this in advance with the laboratory.

Classification of infectious substances

The classification of your samples will determine how to safely transport samples.

Category A

This includes infectious substances transported in a form that when exposure to it occurs, is capable of causing permanent disability, or life-threatening or fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans or animals.

Examples of Category A specimens are:

• specimens of blood, blood components and urine where a pathogen is known to be present
• fresh tissue where a pathogen is known to be present.

Category B

This includes infectious substances that do not meet the criteria of Category A. Infectious substances in Category B must be assigned to UN 3373. The proper shipping name of UN 3373 is 'Biological substance Category B'.

Examples of Category B specimens are:

• specimens of blood, blood components and urine where a pathogen is suspected
• fresh tissue where a pathogen is suspected.

Exempt (for air transport) or Category C (for surface transport)

This includes specimens where there is minimal likelihood that pathogens are present (such as samples for biochemical or antibody tests or fixed tissues). They are not subject to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations if the specimen is:

• transported in triple packaging that prevents any leakage
• marked with the words 'Exempt animal specimen'.

Examples of exempt or Category C specimens are:

• tissue specimens fixed in formalin
• fixed cytology smears
• specimens of blood or urine to be tested for antibodies, nitrate, nitrite and cyanide.

To determine whether a specimen has a minimal likelihood of pathogens being present, use your professional judgement, in consultation with colleagues if possible. Consider the:

• medical history
• symptoms
• individual circumstances of the source
• endemic local conditions.

Packaging and special requirements

Before sending samples with a courier, check the specific requirements of the:

• courier company
• Australian Government's requirements for the packaging and transport of pathology specimens and associated materials.

If you're sending samples through Australia Post, refer to the dangerous and prohibited goods and packaging guide. Samples classified as Biological substance Category B and sent through Australia Post must be lodged at an Australia Post office and sent by a qualified veterinary surgeon.

Watch a video with more information on packaging samples for testing.

Transport costs

The person or organisation submitting the sample is responsible for the cost of transporting it to the laboratory.

Transport options

Some options for transporting samples to the laboratory are:

• Team Global Express (courier)—formerly Toll Priority
• StarTrack (courier)
• Aramex (courier)—formerly Fastway
• Followmont (courier)
• DHL (courier)
• Australia Post (post).

You are welcome to investigate other options.

Queensland Government rates for sample transport are available for frequent submitters (6 or more submissions per year) through StarTrack. Contact us for more information.

Delivery times

Team Global Express and StarTrack usually deliver overnight to Coopers Plains.

Delivery times with other courier companies and Australia Post depend on the location of the sender.

Delivery address

Specimen Receipt (Loading Dock 12)
Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory
Health and Food Science Precinct
39 Kessels Road
COOPERS PLAINS  QLD  4108

Phone: (07) 3708 8762 (submission enquiries)
Email: bslclo@daf.qld.gov.au