Background: UCSC conforms to strict government regulations when transporting hazardous materials. Shipments must arrive at their destination in good condition and present no hazard during shipment. An infectious substance is considered a hazardous material. Prior to shipping any hazardous material, please contact E&HS at (831) 459-2553.

Infectious substance definition: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) define an infectious substance as a material known or reasonably expected to contain a microorganism or infectious particle that can cause disease in humans or animals.

 Infectious substances are assigned to the following categories:

• Category A: An infectious substance in a form capable of causing permanent disability or life-threatening or fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans or animals.
• Category B: An infectious substance that is not in a form generally capable of causing permanent disability or life-threatening or fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans or animals.

Examples of infectious substances include:

• Cultures: Any intentionally propagated infectious substance
• Biological Product: A product applicable to the prevention, treatment, or cure of a disease or condition of human beings or animals (e.g., vaccine, antitoxin, etc.)
  
• Infectious human or animal patient specimens: Any material collected directly from a human or animal that is known or expected to be infectious.

If you are unsure if your shipment is considered an infectious substance, EHS will research your item and advise you. Contact EHS, (831) 459-2553.

To read the regulations concerning the transport of an infectious substance, see:

• U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Hazardous Materials Safety, 49 CFR Regulations 173.134
• International Air Transportation Association (IATA), Dangerous Goods Information Online

Notice: The information presented on this page and elsewhere on this site is a summary of UCSC policies and national and international regulations. In case of a conflict in interpretation, the actual policies and regulations apply.