Sending DNA test sample to USA

[tbbt]

I'm looking for advice about the best way for a member of the public to send a DNA sample (simple cheek swab) for analysis to a lab in USA.

The company (familytreedna.com) has sent me packaging to use but I'm concerned it doesn't meet Royal Mail requirements.

As far as I can tell Safebox is the recommended method to use but is this UK only? Also is it "over the top" for my situation.

The packaging they have sent me to use almost meets UN3373 guidance but not quite (no included absorbant material, no external logo...)

Everyone is advising me "just send it" "its just a minute amount of saliva" but I'd rather do the right thing as I can see there could be a remote chance of a Health and Safety issue here.

Also do I need CN22 customs declaration notice.

I did find this on your site

http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... 28&t=41420" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Cheers

[slave]

http://www.royalmail.com/delivery/mail- ... cted-goods - suggests saliva (secreta) is prohibited in international post.

[Postman Plodd]

Oddly enough i have a DNA test from Nat Geographic to send over to the US, a few folk i know have done this and have reported no problems sending or having it received at the other end.

Bit of a exercise in futility seeing as ancient lizard alien astronauts created us in a lab anyway

[Lounge Lizard]

Just send it.
It's not as if a saliva sample is irreplacable of of great monetary or sentemental value.

[Postman Plodd]

they sell phials of schoolgirl spit in Japan

[tbbt]

I've been waiting to hear from the company I am sending to for some advice and have just got this reply from them. I'm convinced. Think I'll just send it.

Thank you for your email. If you are mailing your kit back to us from outside the United States, it is very important that when declaring what is contained in the kit, you only notify customs that it contains cotton swabs. Do not notify customs that the package contains DNA, as in fact what is being sent to us is just material from your cheek. If you declare that you are sending DNA, the package will be held up at customs and may not be delivered. The skins cells that you are mailing to us are not considered human tissue samples, nor are they bodily fluids and are not considered dangerous if exposed in any way the cell samples are no different from those that you would shed while going through your normal daily routine.

The DNA kit you are sent qualifies as an "Exempt human specimen." If you are concerned about customs, we suggest you write "Exempt human specimen" on the return envelope.

The following is a description of the guidelines for this type of package.

Patient Specimens for which there is minimal likelihood that pathogens are present are not subject to these Regulations if the specimen is packed in a packaging which will prevent any leakage and which is marked with the words "Exempt human specimen" or "Exempt animal specimen", as appropriate. The packaging must meet the following conditions:

(a) The packaging must consist of three components:

1. a leak-proof primary receptacle(s);

2. a leak-proof secondary packaging; and

3. an outer packaging of adequate strength for its capacity, mass and intended use, and with at least one surface having minimum dimensions of 100 mm x 100 mm;

(b) For liquids, absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents must be placed between the primary receptacle(s) and the secondary packaging so that, during transport, any release or leak of a liquid substance will not reach the outer packaging and will not compromise the integrity of the cushioning material;

(c) When multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they must be either individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact between them.

I hope this is helpful!

Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

[stokes11eg]

This has made me think of the days when people were sending samples of excrement through normal post to the local hospital. One of the packets had burst open and then a postie dropped the sample bottle , spilling the contents over the floor! UGH.

[Lounge Lizard]

This has made me think of the days when people were sending samples of excrement through normal post to the local hospital. One of the packets had burst open and then a postie dropped the sample bottle , spilling the contents over the floor! UGH.

- and I thought that was only sent to politicians.

[stokes11eg]

This has made me think of the days when people were sending samples of excrement through normal post to the local hospital. One of the packets had burst open and then a postie dropped the sample bottle , spilling the contents over the floor! UGH.

- and I thought that was only sent to politicians.

No ,this is true, it happened about ten years ago in our office! Don't know if it would be allowd now, but the mind boggles at what could have been lurking on the outside of the package!
Even worse was some of the medical aids they used to be sent regular post. From small legs splints, to male 'appliances'----