Using the IATA flowchart, how is the Zika virus sample classified?

Using the IATA flowchart, how is the Zika virus sample classified?

• A. Category B
• B. UN 3373
• C. Non-infectious
• D. Category A

Answer: (A)

In the IATA flowchart, infectious substances are split into two levels: Category A for the most dangerous substances that could cause life-threatening disease or permanent disability, and Category B for all other infectious substances that do not meet Category A criteria. A Zika virus sample used for diagnostic testing is infectious, but it does not meet the stricter Category A thresholds in typical transport scenarios. Therefore it falls into Category B, and is shipped as Biological Substance, Category B (UN 3373). The Category A option would be used only if the sample met the higher-risk criteria; the non-infectious choice is incorrect because the material is infectious, and UN 3373 is the packaging code for Category B rather than the category name itself.

In the IATA flowchart, infectious substances are split into two levels: Category A for the most dangerous substances that could cause life-threatening disease or permanent disability, and Category B for all other infectious substances that do not meet Category A criteria. A Zika virus sample used for diagnostic testing is infectious, but it does not meet the stricter Category A thresholds in typical transport scenarios. Therefore it falls into Category B, and is shipped as Biological Substance, Category B (UN 3373). The Category A option would be used only if the sample met the higher-risk criteria; the non-infectious choice is incorrect because the material is infectious, and UN 3373 is the packaging code for Category B rather than the category name itself.