Shipping Policies: Please note that we are not able to accept specimens on Saturday.

Shipping fees are the responsibility of the sender or patient. Johns Hopkins does not cover these fees as part of our diagnostic service. Please DO NOT select "Bill Recipient" when sending a sample to the laboratory.

The International Air Transport Association has updated the regulations for shipping dangerous goods (including infectious agents and diagnostic specimens). Please visit the IATA web site (www.iata.org) for details.

Click here for a summary of the 2006 regulations.

Click here for a sample label that can be printed and affixed to your packages.

Shipment of medical diagnostic specimens is also regulated by the FAA and individual overnight courier services. Please consult your courier for their specific packaging requirements and acceptable shipping options for medical specimens.

General packaging guidelines include wrapping glass tubes in absorbent padding, including at least one water-tight barrier in the packaging, and always mailing specimens in a sturdy box.  Your courier service may also require a special outer envelope identifying the package as a biological substance.  

Each specimen should be accompanied by:

1. A copy of our requisition form. (See the Forms page to download)
2. Appropriate family history and/or medical information for the test being ordered (please see individual test pages for specific requirements)
3. Payment information. Testing will not be initiated until financial responsibility is established.

Before shipping samples, please call the lab at:  
(410) 955-0483