Postal Explorer > Publication 52 - Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail > Appendix C USPS Packaging Instructions for Mailable Hazardous Materials > USPS Packaging Instruction 6F

USPS Packaging Instruction 6F

Used Health Care Products, DMM Reference 601.10.17.8

The term "used health care product" means a medical, diagnostic, or research device or piece of equipment, or a personal care product used by consumers, medical professionals, or pharmaceutical providers that, (1) does not meet the definition of a diagnostic specimen, biological product, regulated medical waste, or sharps waste; (2) is contaminated with potentially infectious body fluids or materials; and (3) and is not decontaminated or disinfected to remove or mitigate the infectious hazard prior to transportation.

Proper Shipping Name

• Not applicable.

Mailability

• International Mail: Prohibited.

• Domestic Mail: A used health care product known or suspected to contain a Risk Group 4 pathogen is nonmailable. A used health care product meeting the definition in 346, classified in Risk Group 1, 2, or 3, and being returned to the manufacturer or manufacturer's designee is mailable as First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Express Mail.

Required Packaging

Primary Receptacle

• Each used health care product must be drained of liquid to the extent possible and placed in a watertight primary receptacle designed and constructed to ensure that it remains intact under normal conditions of transport. For a used health care product capable of cutting or penetrating skin or packaging material, the primary receptacle must be capable of retaining the product without puncture of the packaging under normal conditions of transport. The primary receptacle must be marked with the international biohazard symbol (see Exhibit 346.32e).

Secondary Container

• Each primary receptacle must be placed inside a watertight secondary container designed and constructed to ensure that it remains intact under normal conditions of transport. The secondary container must also be marked with the international biohazard symbol (see Exhibit 346.32e).

Outer Shipping Container

• The secondary container must be placed inside an outer shipping container with sufficient cushioning material to prevent movement between the secondary container and the outer shipping container. An itemized list of the contents of the primary receptacle and information concerning possible contamination with a Division 6.2 material, including its possible location on the product, must be placed between the secondary container and the outer shipping container.

• Each mailpiece must not exceed a total weight or 25 pounds.

Marking/Documentation

• A shipping paper and content marking on the outer shipping container are not required.

• Each mailpiece must bear a complete return address and delivery address.