A tissue sample from a healthy individual for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing shipped on dry ice by air via FedEx should be classified as which of the following?

A tissue sample from a healthy individual for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing shipped on dry ice by air via FedEx should be classified as which of the following?

• A. Nonhazardous Environmental Sample
• B. Exempt Human Specimen
• C. Clinical Medical Waste
• D. Biological Material Not Allowed for Air Transport

Answer: (B)

When shipping a tissue sample from a healthy person for HLA typing, the key concept is how human specimens with no infectious risk are classified for air transport. Because the donor is healthy and the sample is not known to contain infectious material, it falls under the Exempt Human Specimen category. This classification reflects that the specimen does not pose an infectious hazard and does not require the full infectious-substance packaging requirements, even when preserved with dry ice. The other options don’t fit: it isn’t simply a nonhazardous environmental sample, nor is it waste from clinical care, and it isn’t a shipment that’s categorically not allowed for air transport. The Exempt Human Specimen designation is the appropriate, accurate fit for this scenario.

When shipping a tissue sample from a healthy person for HLA typing, the key concept is how human specimens with no infectious risk are classified for air transport. Because the donor is healthy and the sample is not known to contain infectious material, it falls under the Exempt Human Specimen category. This classification reflects that the specimen does not pose an infectious hazard and does not require the full infectious-substance packaging requirements, even when preserved with dry ice. The other options don’t fit: it isn’t simply a nonhazardous environmental sample, nor is it waste from clinical care, and it isn’t a shipment that’s categorically not allowed for air transport. The Exempt Human Specimen designation is the appropriate, accurate fit for this scenario.