Interpretation Response #99-0065 ([Sacramento Blood Center] [Ms. Catherine J. Feiock])

Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.

Interpretation Response Details

Response Publish Date: 11/02/1999

Company Name: Sacramento Blood Center

Individual Name: Ms. Catherine J. Feiock

Location State: CA Country: US

View the Interpretation Document

Response text:

November 2, 1999

Ms. Catherine J. Feiock             Ref.  No.   99-0065
QA Manager for Hospital Services
Sacramento Blood Center
1625 Stockton Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95816-7089

Dear Ms. Feiock:

This is in response to your letter, and subsequent telephone conversations with members of this Office, concerning the air transportation of blood and blood components, packed with dry ice, under the International Air Transport Associations Dangerous Goods Regulations and the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180).  In telephone conversations with members of this Office, you stated the materials are biological products that are used for transfusions or for research purposes.

Your questions are paraphrased and answered as follows:

Ql.        Are absorbent materials (e.g., wipes) required for blood and blood components that have been tested and found not to contain an infectious substance?

Al.        Blood and blood components that do not contain an infectious substance or any other hazard class are not subject to the HMR or the intemational regulations, regardless of the quantity being shipped.  However, blood and blood components may be subject to other Federal regulations, such as those for biological products administered by the Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration.  You should contact that agency for information on those requirements.

Q2.       What is the maximum volume of tested donor blood that can be shipped that is known to be non-infectious?

A2.       See above response under Al:

Q3.    What is the maximum volume of “Dry ice, 9, UN1845, PG HIII”  that may be included with a shipment of non-infectious frozen red blood cells?

A3.       With certain exceptions, the HMR authorize compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Technical Instructions if the hazardous material is intended for transportation by aircraft, and by motor vehicle, either before or after being transported by aircraft.  See 49 CFR 171.11. The entry  “Carbon dioxide, solid or Dry ice”  is listed in the § 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table of the HMR and the Dangerous Goods List in the ICAO Technical Instructions, Under these regulations, the maximum net amount of dry ice that may be offered in one package for transportation by aircraft is 200 kg (441 pounds).  Advance arrangements must be made between the shipper and each carrier for shipments exceeding 2.3 kg (5 pounds) per package.  See 49 CFR 173.217. Dry ice is subject to regulation only when transported by aircraft or vessel.

I hope this satisfies your request.

Sincerely,

Hattie L. Mitchell
Chief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards

172.101(j)

Regulation Sections