Is all organ retrieval considered HAZMAT?
 

We are just about to get our HAZMAT approval and I was almost sure that because of the blood that it was.


Papa T

Blood collected for transfusion is not 6.2, it's only 6.2 if it is suspected of having some pathogen that can harm humans or animals. So unless you're trying to infect someone with malaria through a liver transplant, it's not an issue.

When I flew blood it was usually HAZMAT b/c of the dry ice that was in the box not the blood.

On the part 121 side, if the specimens are uninfected, there is normally a provision to carry it in the HAZMAT ops manual. Of course, this is only what I've noticed at our particular airline.

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When I worked for Grand Aire, alot of our business was Organ Procurement. It is not considered a HazMat. The only thing is just make sure you have about a $10,000,000 policy because OPO companies will stear clear if you don't have one that high.

I believe Twin Wasp is right! The only reason it would be considered HAZMAT is because of the Dry Ice which is normally accompanying the organ in a cooler. The only other HAZMAT labeling, packaging, seperation, and documentation requirement for "Specimens" is if they pose a potential threat to those in contact with said organ, which is really what all HAZMAT is considered.

I also thought that was a reason for it being considered HAZMAT, with the dry ice and all. I was unsure about the blood. Thanks for everybodys input...but it isn't very clear. Hazmat or Not??????????

I fly organs and blood all the time and the box is usually just sitting in the back seat of the 310. the opo's we work with don't use dry ice, just wet ice in a cooler which is in a box. we are part 91 as well.

I've been through some very thorough hazmat training over the years. Twin Wasp and FlyingPirate are right. I cannot conceive of a situation where 6.2 would apply to an organ transplant.


I also saw the term "Organ Retrieval". Is this the best we can do? The words remind me of Igor going out and digging things up for Dr. Frankenstein. :D

I'd refer to the process as "Organ Transport" myself.

No, Wurlitzers aren't hazmat either. :)