Which UN number is associated with Biological Substances, Category B shipments?

Which UN number is associated with Biological Substances, Category B shipments?

• A. UN 2814
• B. UN 3373
• C. UN 2900
• D. UN 1993

Answer: (B)

Understanding UN numbers for biological shipments helps you see how much risk is present and what packaging and handling rules apply. Biological Substances, Category B are assigned UN 3373. This category covers specimens that are not known to contain, or are unlikely to contain, viable pathogens and thus pose a lower risk when properly packaged. It’s a step down in strictness from Category A, which uses UN 2814 for infectious substances that can cause disease in humans and require more stringent containment and packaging. The other numbers shown—UN 2900 and UN 1993—refer to different hazards (infectious substances affecting animals and flammable liquids, respectively) and aren’t used for Biological Substances, Category B. So UN 3373 is the designation used for Biological Substances, Category B shipments, reflecting their lower risk and corresponding handling requirements.

Understanding UN numbers for biological shipments helps you see how much risk is present and what packaging and handling rules apply. Biological Substances, Category B are assigned UN 3373. This category covers specimens that are not known to contain, or are unlikely to contain, viable pathogens and thus pose a lower risk when properly packaged. It’s a step down in strictness from Category A, which uses UN 2814 for infectious substances that can cause disease in humans and require more stringent containment and packaging. The other numbers shown—UN 2900 and UN 1993—refer to different hazards (infectious substances affecting animals and flammable liquids, respectively) and aren’t used for Biological Substances, Category B. So UN 3373 is the designation used for Biological Substances, Category B shipments, reflecting their lower risk and corresponding handling requirements.