Using the flow chart on the IATA job aid, what is the classification of the sample (Ebola Virus Disease Blood)?

Using the flow chart on the IATA job aid, what is the classification of the sample (Ebola Virus Disease Blood)?

• A. Category B
• B. Exempt
• C. UN2814 Infectious Substance, Affecting humans (Ebola virus)
• D. Category A

Answer: (D)

The flow chart is about placing infectious substances into the risk-based categories used for air shipping. A blood sample from a patient with Ebola virus is an infectious substance that can cause a severe, life-threatening disease in humans, so it falls into the higher-risk category for infectious substances. This is the Category A level, which is reserved for substances that, if released, could cause permanent disability or life-threatening illness. The specific designation used in shipping is UN2814 Infectious Substance, Affecting Humans (Ebola virus), which drives the strict handling and packaging requirements. If the material were only a routine diagnostic specimen that didn’t meet Category A criteria, it would be Category B, but Ebola in blood clearly meets the Category A threshold due to its danger and potential for serious disease.

The flow chart is about placing infectious substances into the risk-based categories used for air shipping. A blood sample from a patient with Ebola virus is an infectious substance that can cause a severe, life-threatening disease in humans, so it falls into the higher-risk category for infectious substances. This is the Category A level, which is reserved for substances that, if released, could cause permanent disability or life-threatening illness. The specific designation used in shipping is UN2814 Infectious Substance, Affecting Humans (Ebola virus), which drives the strict handling and packaging requirements. If the material were only a routine diagnostic specimen that didn’t meet Category A criteria, it would be Category B, but Ebola in blood clearly meets the Category A threshold due to its danger and potential for serious disease.