Packing, Shipping and Supplies Information

On this page: 
Guidance for sample submission
Shipping address
Infectious Disease Lab supply store
Contact information
Reference material

Guidance for sample submission

Guidance for Sample Submission (PDF)

• Specimen is packed in a leakproof biohazard bag with sufficient absorbent material
• Specimen biohazard bag is placed in a secondary package (Tyvek envelope), box or container
• Submission form(s) are packed with specimen(s)
• Specimen testing will be cancelled if specimen receipt temperature is out of range for the requested test(s)
  • For shipping temperature information refer to the Infectious Disease Laboratory Test Catalog (https://labinventory.web.health.state.mn.us)

Shipping address

• The MDH Public Health Laboratory loading dock is open to accept specimens
  • Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm
  • Saturday from 8:00am - 12:00pm

• Couriers, FedEx, or UPS
  • Minnesota Department of Health
    PHL - IDL Specimen Receiving
    601 Robert Street North
    Saint Paul, MN 55155
• United States Postal Service (USPS)
  • Minnesota Department of Health Public Health
    Laboratory Division
    P.O. Box 64899
    Saint Paul, MN 55164-0899

Infectious Disease Laboratory supply store

The store provides materials available for packing and transport of specimens from facilities to the Public Health Laboratory. Also included are kit supplies for PHL-IDL targeted surveillance projects or outbreak investigations for those facilities identified for participation.

PHL-IDL Project Supply Store and Order Form

Contact information

• Main Public Health Laboratory phone: 651-201-5200
• IDL Specimen Receiving: 651-201-4242, Email: health.phlidops@state.mn.us

Reference material

• Packing Instructions for Dangerous Goods (PDF)
• International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulation (DGR)
• Shipping Biological Substances FAQs | UPS - United States
• Regulatory Updates for Dangerous Goods | FedEx

Please visit the Infectious Disease Laboratory Contact Information page with questions.