1. PURPOSE
   This notice informs inspection program personnel (IPP) of the new procedures for disposing of expired tuberculosis (TB) test kits.
2. BACKGROUND
   TB test kits include formalin and sodium borate that, after expiration, must be properly disposed of according to Federal, State, and local waste management requirements. IPP had previously been directed to return expired TB test kits to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL).
3. INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF EXPIRED TB TEST KITS
   1. IPP are to work with the inspector-in-charge or frontline supervisor to coordinate the timely use of the test kits. Unused test kits are to be rotated out to another establishment or used prior to the test kit’s date of expiration.
   2. If a test kit is not used or rotated to another establishment prior to the date of expiration, IPP are to send the test kit to the FSIS Eastern Laboratory for disposal.
      
      NOTE: Expired test kits are not to be returned to the NVSL or disposed of in a location other than the FSIS Eastern Laboratory.
   3. IPP are to contact the Eastern Laboratory via e-mail at SamplingSupplies-EasternLab@usda.gov to obtain a return shipping label and then ship the expired test kit to the address below:
      1. USDA-FSIS Eastern Laboratory Pathology Branch
      2. 950 College Station Road
      3. Athens, GA 30605
   4. This notice does not change the instructions in FSIS Directive 6240.1, Inspection, Sampling, and Disposition of Cattle for Tuberculosis (TB).
4. QUESTIONS
   Refer questions regarding this notice to your supervisor and if needed to the Office of Policy and Program Development through askFSIS or by telephone at 1-800-233-3935. When submitting a question, complete the web form and select General Inspection Policy for the inquiry type.

NOTE: Refer to FSIS Directive 5620.1, Using askFSIS, for additional information on submitting questions.