Hazard Class 6 - Division 6.2

6.2 - Infectious substances are those that are known or are reasonably expected to contain pathogens. Pathogens are micro-organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and other agents, such as prions, that can cause disease in humans or animals. This division includes viruses and bacteria, such as HIV and rabies, as well as diagnostic specimens, biological products, and medical waste. Division 6.2 materials are defined in §173.134.

Infectious substances are divided into Category A and Category B substances. Category A infectious substances are those in which exposure is capable of causing permanent disability or a life-threatening or fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans and animals. Exposure can occur when an infectious substance is released outside of the protective packaging, resulting in physical contact with humans or animals.

Category B infectious substances are those that do not meet the criteria for Category A. These substances are assigned the proper shipping name UN 3373 Biological substance Category B.

Other Division 6.2 materials include biological products, cultures, patient specimens, and medical waste.

Biological products are derived from living organisms, and they are manufactured and distributed in accordance with the requirements of the approved national authority. Such requirements may include special licensing. These products are used for prevention, treatment, or diagnosis of diseases, or for development, experimental, or investigative research purposes related to the prevention, treatment, or diagnosis of disease. An example of a biological product is a vaccine.

Cultures are the result of a process by which pathogens are intentionally propagated.

Patient specimens are collected directly from humans or animals. Examples include excreta, secreta, blood, tissue, and body parts. These specimens may be transported for research, diagnosis, investigational activities, or disease treatment or prevention.

Medical and clinical wastes are derived from the medical treatments of humans and animals or from bioresearch.

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