Materials of Trade (MOT) are defined as hazardous materials that are carried in a motor vehicle that support a principle business. However, the principle business cannot be a transportation business (e.g., taxi cab, bus, independent courier vehicle*). A patient specimen can be transported by motor vehicle as an MOT if the specimen is not regulated or is classified as a category B infectious substance (cultures cannot be transported as MOTs).
Businesses whose employees can transport patient specimens as MOTs include:
- Clinical or reference laboratories (laboratory's own couriers)
- Home health care agencies
- Physician's offices
This brochure from the Department of Transportation (DOT) further explains what MOTs are and what regulations apply.
*UN3373 Category B infectious substances can be transported by cab, bus, or independent courier vehicle, but not as MOTs.
