Within class 6 (Toxic and infectious substances) are two divisions:
- Division 6.1 - Poisonous Material
- Division 6.2 - Infectious Substance
A division 6.2 infectious substance is defined as a material known or reasonably expected to contain a pathogen. A pathogen is a microorganism or other agent (e.g., a prion) that can cause disease in humans or animals. The classification system for Division 6.2 Infectious Substances includes two categories, known simply as Category A and Category B. These will be defined and discussed in more detail later in the course.
The regulations that govern packaging and shipping a class 9, miscellaneous hazardous material, may also need to be reviewed by those who package and ship laboratory specimens. Dry ice (when transported by air or water) is a class 9 hazardous material and, if used, requires special packaging and specific labels and markings on the outer package.
