Ship Biological Samples with CDC 508 Compliance
General
Key takeaways
CDC 508 compliance ensures accessibility in digital shipping documentation.
Biological sample shipments must meet packaging, labeling, and documentation standards.
Section 508 applies when submitting digital files to U.S. federal agencies.
Mercury supports clients with compliant packaging and accessible documentation.
How to Ship Biological Samples in Compliance with CDC 508
Why CDC 508 Compliance Matters
Shipping biological samples involves strict regulatory oversight, particularly when dealing with U.S. government agencies like the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). When submitting documentation electronically to the CDC, shippers must comply with Section 508 standards. This ensures digital documents are accessible to people with disabilities.
Failure to comply with CDC 508 can result in rejected documentation or shipment delays. For labs, research institutions, and healthcare providers, these delays can disrupt diagnostics, research, and patient care. Ensuring accessible documentation is now as critical as packaging and labeling.
What Is Section 508?
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies and their partners to make electronic information accessible to individuals with disabilities. The CDC enforces this standard when accepting digital documentation.
For shippers, this means manifests, labels, and tracking information submitted to the CDC must meet accessibility guidelines. PDFs must be readable by screen readers, contain alt text for images, and use proper tagging structures.
508 compliance isn't just about legal obligations; it promotes equitable access to essential public health information. By designing documents with accessibility in mind, shippers ensure smoother approval processes.
When Does CDC 508 Apply to Biological Shipments?
Section 508 applies when you electronically submit documents to the CDC. This includes:
Shipping manifests
Labeling files
Chain-of-custody forms
Sample information sheets
Customs documents, if routed to federal review
If your biological shipment requires pre-approval, clearance, or documentation review by the CDC, your digital documents must follow 508 rules. Failing to meet these standards may result in documentation rejection.
It’s important to determine early in the shipping process whether CDC submission is required. This allows time to ensure that forms, manifests, and data formats comply with accessibility standards.
Types of Biological Samples Often Shipped to the CDC
A wide range of biological materials may require shipment to the CDC, including:
Clinical trial specimens
Infectious disease samples
Diagnostic materials
Reagents and test kits
Animal byproducts used in research
Pathogen samples for public health testing
Many of these shipments fall under hazardous or regulated classifications. In such cases, clear, accessible documentation is vital for customs clearance and safety compliance. This also ensures that CDC personnel can efficiently process and analyze incoming samples.
The CDC often requires sample metadata in a digital format. Making this data accessible upfront minimizes questions and follow-ups, helping to keep timelines on track.
Preparing Accessible Digital Shipping Documentation
Creating 508-compliant documents involves more than converting Word files to PDF. Each digital file must:
Include descriptive titles and file names
Use readable fonts and sufficient color contrast
Tag headers, tables, and form fields properly
Provide alternative text for images and logos
Be fully navigable using keyboard-only inputs
PDFs must also pass accessibility checks, such as those provided by Adobe Acrobat Pro. Automated tools can catch many common issues, but manual checks are equally essential to ensure documents meet all usability requirements.
Forms should include logical tab orders for screen readers. All fields must be clearly labeled and function with assistive technologies.
Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Beyond digital documentation, biological samples must meet strict packaging and labeling requirements. These standards are enforced by the CDC, IATA, and DOT.
Triple-packaging is commonly required. This includes:
A primary leak-proof container
A secondary, sealed protective container
A rigid outer container with absorbent material
Each package must include:
A UN specification label (e.g., UN 3373 for Category B samples)
A biohazard symbol, if applicable
Sender and recipient information
Temperature control labeling, if needed
These labels must be clear, legible, and securely affixed. For digital submissions, labels must be scanned or exported in an accessible format. High-contrast, text-based PDFs are ideal.
Digital Tools and Platforms for 508-Compliant Shipping
Several tools can support 508 compliance when preparing shipping documents:
Adobe Acrobat Pro for tagging PDFs and checking accessibility
Microsoft Word and Excel for formatting documents using accessible templates
Export digital forms in formats that maintain accessibility. Avoid scanned images or non-selectable text when submitting shipping manifests. Use fillable, tagged PDFs instead.
Your logistics platform should also support exporting digital files that are 508-compliant. If not, consider upgrading or using third-party services.
How Mercury Helps Clients Ensure CDC and 508 Compliance
Mercury simplifies the process of shipping biological samples by offering full support for regulatory compliance, including CDC 508 requirements.
Regulatory Expertise: Mercury’s team understands complex U.S. regulations, including accessibility laws. They guide clients in preparing documentation that meets both logistics and legal standards.
Accessible Documentation: Mercury helps clients create properly formatted shipping manifests, labels, and forms. Their team ensures all digital submissions are screen-reader friendly and pass 508 audits.
Validated Packaging: Mercury provides validated containers that meet CDC and IATA standards. These packaging systems are ideal for diagnostics kits, reagents, and clinical trial specimens.
Seamless Coordination: Mercury works directly with customs brokers and regulatory authorities to prevent clearance delays. Proactive communication keeps clients informed and shipments on track.
Real-Time Tracking: Shipments are tracked throughout the journey. Temperature excursions, route deviations, or customs delays are flagged immediately.
By managing the entire compliance and logistics workflow, Mercury allows research teams and lab operations to focus on science—not paperwork.
Shipping biological samples to federal agencies like the CDC requires strict attention to detail. From packaging to documentation, Mercury ensures that every shipment meets regulatory and accessibility standards. Contact Mercury today to simplify your workflow and stay focused on advancing science.
