Packing Instruction 650 applies to which type of shipments?

• A. Category A Infectious Substances
• B. Liquid Category B Infectious Substances
• C. Solid Category B Infectious Substances
• D. Exempt patient specimens

Answer: (B)

Packing Instruction 650 is the standard for Infectious Substances, Category B (UN 3373) shipments, specifically when the material is in liquid form. It requires triple packaging—leakproof primary container, leakproof secondary packaging with absorbent, and a rigid outer packaging—to protect handlers and the environment in case of a leak. This instruction is used for diagnostic or clinical specimens that are liquids and fall under Category B, which are less hazardous than Category A. Exempt patient specimens aren’t governed by this instruction, and Category A substances use different packaging requirements. So, the choice reflects that Packing Instruction 650 applies to liquid Category B infectious substances.