Cryoshippers and Sample Shippers: A Complete Guide
A cryoshipper is a specialist cryogenic transport vessel designed to maintain biological samples at liquid nitrogen temperatures during transit, without containing free liquid nitrogen. Also known as a sample shipper, dry shipper, or cryogenic sample shipper, these vessels are essential for the safe movement of embryos, oocytes, sperm, cell lines, and other biological material between IVF clinics, biobanks, research facilities, and hospitals.
Unlike conventional liquid nitrogen storage tanks, a cryoshipper uses an absorbent material saturated with liquid nitrogen to create a vapour-phase environment at approximately -190 degrees Celsius. Because there is no free liquid nitrogen present, cryoshippers are compliant with IATA regulations for air freight, making them the standard transport solution for biological samples shipped internationally or by courier.
Cryolab has supplied cryoshippers and sample shippers to IVF clinics, biobanks, and research institutions for over 40 years. Our dry shippers are trusted for the safe transport of the most precious and irreplaceable biological samples in reproductive medicine.
How a Cryoshipper Works
Vapour Phase Technology
A cryoshipper is charged by filling it with liquid nitrogen and allowing the absorbent material in its neck and walls to saturate. The free liquid nitrogen is then poured out, leaving the vessel in a vapour phase state at approximately -190 degrees Celsius. Samples are loaded into the charged cryoshipper and the lid sealed for transport.
No Free Liquid Nitrogen
The absence of free liquid nitrogen is what makes a sample shipper safe for air transport. IATA regulations prohibit the carriage of free liquid nitrogen on commercial aircraft, but cryoshippers charged in vapour phase mode are classified as dry ice equivalents and can be transported on passenger and cargo aircraft worldwide.
Holding Time
A charged cryoshipper maintains cryogenic temperatures for a defined holding period — typically 24 to 96 hours depending on the model and ambient conditions. Selecting a cryoshipper with sufficient holding time for the intended journey, including delays, is critical for sample safety.
Sample Loading
Cryopreserved samples in straws, cryovials, or goblets are transferred from the storage tank to the cryoshipper immediately before transit. The transfer must be performed rapidly to avoid temperature excursions that could compromise sample viability.
Cryoshipper Products from Cryolab
Cryolab supplies specialist cryoshippers and sample shippers trusted by IVF clinics, biobanks, and reproductive science laboratories for the safe transport of the most irreplaceable biological material.
 | CryoStork V2 Dry Shipper The CryoStork V2 is Cryolab’s specialist cryoshipper for the transport of reproductive samples including embryos, oocytes, and sperm straws. Its 2-litre compact design delivers reliable vapour phase performance with straightforward charging, and is IATA compliant for international air transport of biological samples. |
Expert Perspective: Paul Hague, Cryolab
Paul Hague has spent over 40 years at the forefront of cryogenic science and reproductive medicine. He introduced the controlled-rate freezer to Professor Robert Edwards — the Nobel Prize-winning pioneer of IVF — and has attended 42 consecutive ESHRE annual meetings, more than any other delegate in the congress’s history.
“Moving samples between clinics safely is one of the most underappreciated challenges in reproductive medicine. A cryoshipper is not just a transport container — it is the last line of defence between a patient’s embryos and an irreversible loss. I have seen what happens when that line fails. The shipper you choose matters more than most people realise.”
— Paul Hague, Director, Cryolab
Applications of Cryoshippers and Sample Shippers
IVF Embryo and Gamete Transport
The most common application of a cryoshipper in reproductive medicine is the inter-clinic transport of cryopreserved embryos, oocytes, and sperm. Patients moving between clinics, accessing donor material, or participating in cross-border reproductive care all depend on reliable sample shippers to maintain the viability of their samples in transit.
Biobank Sample Distribution
Biobanks distribute biological samples to research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and clinical sites worldwide. Cryoshippers provide the validated transport solution required to maintain sample integrity during distribution, ensuring that the temperature chain is unbroken from storage to destination.
Stem Cell and Cell Line Transport
Pharmaceutical and research organisations transport stem cells, iPSC lines, and primary cell cultures between facilities using sample shippers. The vapour phase environment of a cryoshipper maintains cell viability without the risks associated with free liquid nitrogen transport.
Veterinary and Agricultural Genetics
Bovine, equine, and porcine semen and embryos are transported between breeding facilities, AI centres, and export markets in cryoshippers. International livestock genetics trade depends almost entirely on IATA-compliant sample shippers for the movement of genetic material across borders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryoshippers
What is a cryoshipper?
A cryoshipper is a specialist cryogenic transport vessel that maintains biological samples at approximately -190 degrees Celsius during transit, using absorbed liquid nitrogen vapour rather than free liquid nitrogen. Also known as a sample shipper or dry shipper, it is used to transport embryos, oocytes, sperm, and other biological material between clinical and research sites.
What is a sample shipper?
A sample shipper is another term for a cryoshipper — a cryogenic transport vessel for biological samples. The terms cryoshipper, sample shipper, and dry shipper are used interchangeably in the IVF and biobanking sectors.
Can a cryoshipper go on a plane?
Yes. Cryoshippers charged in vapour phase mode, with no free liquid nitrogen, are IATA compliant for air transport on both passenger and cargo aircraft. They must be correctly labelled and accompanied by the appropriate documentation. Free liquid nitrogen is prohibited on commercial aircraft.
How long does a cryoshipper stay cold?
Holding time depends on the model and ambient conditions. Most cryoshippers maintain cryogenic temperatures for 24 to 96 hours when correctly charged. Always select a cryoshipper with a holding time that exceeds the maximum anticipated transit time, including potential delays.
What is the difference between a cryoshipper and a liquid nitrogen tank?
A liquid nitrogen tank is designed for static long-term storage at a fixed location. A cryoshipper is designed for transport and contains no free liquid nitrogen, making it safe for courier and air freight use. See our liquid nitrogen tank guide for storage solutions.
What samples can be transported in a cryoshipper?
Cryoshippers can transport any cryopreserved biological sample including embryos, oocytes, sperm straws, stem cells, cell lines, tissue biopsies, blood, and DNA samples, provided the samples are correctly packaged in appropriate cryogenic containers such as straws, cryovials, or goblets.
