Shipping embryos between UK fertility clinics requires a validated cryogenic transport system that maintains the samples at liquid nitrogen temperatures throughout the entire journey without any active power source. The standard solution is a cryogenic dry shipper — a specially designed vessel that is pre-charged with liquid nitrogen which is absorbed into a porous material inside the unit. The shipper maintains minus 190 degrees Celsius or colder during transport without any liquid nitrogen being present as a free liquid, making it safe for road and in some cases air transport.
The process for safe embryo shipping involves several critical steps. The receiving clinic must be confirmed and prepared before transport is arranged. Samples must be correctly identified, with all labels checked and verified before loading. A full chain of custody document must accompany the shipment, recording the identity of every sample, the sending and receiving clinicians, transport conditions and any witnessed verification steps along the route.
Sample identification is a particular vulnerability during transport. Any label that fails during the journey means the sample arrives unidentifiable at the destination clinic. Cryogenic markers and labels must be rated for liquid nitrogen temperatures and must remain legible through the temperature fluctuations of loading and unloading. Cryolab.co.uk supplies cryogenic dry shippers and the labelling consumables needed for compliant, safe embryo transport between UK clinics.
