Which label applies to the TB Sputum sample?

• A. UN 3373 Biological Substance, Category B label
• B. UN 3373 Label
• C. To & From Label
• D. Name and # of person responsible for shipment label

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how infectious substances are labeled for transport. TB sputum from a patient used for diagnostic testing is treated as a clinical/diagnostic specimen, not as a highly dangerous culture. That places it in Category B, which requires the UN 3373 Biological Substance, Category B label. This label communicates that the material can contain infectious agents but is not expected to cause life-threatening disease in healthy humans during transport when properly packaged. The label should include the UN number (3373) and the description “Biological Substance, Category B.”

Using just a generic UN 3373 label would be insufficient because it doesn’t explicitly state the Category B designation and required wording. A To & From label or a label naming the person responsible for shipment isn’t a hazard label and doesn’t convey any infectious substance category. So the correct labeling is the UN 3373 Biological Substance, Category B label.