Which marking must be placed on a package containing a throat swab sent to test for influenza virus?

• A. Class 6 hazard label
• B. UN 3373 Diamond-on-point marking
• C. UN 2814
• D. Biological substance, Category B

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that a throat swab sent for influenza testing is treated as a Biological Substance, Category B. Because of that, the required marking is the UN 3373 Diamond-on-point symbol. This label identifies the package as containing a biological substance that is not considered highly dangerous, but still requires proper handling and packaging under the shipping regulations (such as IATA/DOT). The Diamond-on-point mark is the specific symbol used on the package to signal this category.

Other options don’t fit because a Class 6 hazard label is for poisons and toxic substances, which isn’t the classification for a routine clinical specimen. UN 2814 refers to infectious substances affecting humans that require Category A packaging, which is more stringent and not appropriate for standard diagnostic specimens. Simply saying “Biological substance, Category B” describes the substance, but the actual marking placed on the package is the UN 3373 Diamond-on-point symbol.