Which of the following statements is false concerning shipping blood for HLA typing?

Packaging blood specimens for HLA typing adheres to stringent safety regulations and protocols to prevent any risk of contamination and ensure the safe transportation of potentially infectious materials. The statement that blood specimens known to carry pathogens are packaged the same as routine diagnostic specimens is false because it overlooks the additional precautions required for specimens that may pose a biohazard risk.

When shipping specimens known to carry pathogens, these samples must be handled with enhanced safety measures and packed according to specific standards that minimize the risk of exposure and contamination. Such specimens require different labeling and packaging systems to ensure that they are clearly identified as dangerous goods.

In contrast, routine diagnostic specimens, which do not carry a known biohazard risk, can be packaged with less stringent measures. This distinction between shipping protocols ensures safety for handlers and the environment, aligning with regulations set by authorities like the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which govern the transportation of hazardous materials.