International embryo shipping is more complex than domestic transport in the UK but is a routinely performed procedure in the international fertility sector. Patients who have embryos stored in the UK and wish to continue treatment abroad, or who wish to move stored embryos from an overseas clinic to a UK clinic, need to understand the process.
The physical transport uses vapour-phase nitrogen dry shippers. For international shipments, the hold time of the dry shipper matters more than for domestic transport. Flights, customs delays, and the extended logistics chain mean that high-specification dry shippers with hold times of 72 hours or more are the appropriate choice. Temperature-logging data loggers inside the packaging are essential.
From the UK regulatory side, the HFEA must be notified of the export of embryos or gametes. The clinic must ensure that the receiving country’s regulatory framework is compatible and that appropriate import permits are in place.
From the aviation perspective, dry shippers with no free liquid nitrogen must still comply with IATA dangerous goods regulations for biological specimens and cryogenic material. Appropriate labelling and documentation are required for the shipment to be accepted by airlines.
The consent implications must also be considered. UK consent documents should be reviewed to ensure they do not restrict treatment to UK clinics.
Cryolab supplies long-hold-time dry shippers and advises on international transport logistics for UK fertility clinics. Visit cryolab.co.uk“>Cryolab
