Clinical Specimen Collection Units

All packages containing biological substances and/or infectious agents must conform to Federal Postal Regulations and/or United Parcel Service/Federal Express guidelines for the transporting of specimens of this type. These regulations are subject to change! Clients are strongly encouraged to contact their carrier representative for the most current regulations.

The shipper is responsible for being sure that their package is in compliance with current regulations.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SHIPPING

• The specimen must be properly packaged and labeled while in transit to the laboratory.
• The specimen must not arrive at the laboratory in a condition which poses a hazard to the laboratory staff or others who handle the specimen.
• Do not use wet ice, as it melts and may leak in transit, thus endangering the integrity of the specimen. If indicated, use the ice substitute provided.
• The specimen must be delivered to the laboratory in a timely manner and at the correct temperature per each test requirement. Delays in transit may render the specimen unsuitable for testing. Mail or ship specimens as early as possible in the week to avoid weekend or holiday delays. Refer to the directions accompanying the collection units on the proper way to prepare specimens for shipment.

SPECIMEN COLLECTION UNITS

The MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories can provide collection, packing, and shipping supplies for a subset of the testing we provide. To request the available supplies, including complete kits or components, create an account and/or log in to the online Laboratory Kit Order Tracking System (LKOTS) or fill out the Specimen Shipping Units Requisition (DCH-0568) and submit to MDHHSLab@michigan.gov. Questions or concerns may also be directed to MDHHSLab@michigan.gov

Rev. 04/18/2025