When it comes to IVF and surrogacy, your embryos are crucial for your path to parenthood.
By choosing reputable embryo transportation services, you ensure that your embryos are transported safely and with care.
Fill out our online contact form to learn more about how we can connect you to reputable professionals you may need for your in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or surrogacy journey. We’re here for you.
This article takes a deeper dive into embryo shipping companies and the importance they play.
The Role of Embryo Transportation Services
Embryo transportation services are one of the many industry professionals that help make becoming a parent possible for you.
From pickup to confirmation of delivery, reputable embryo transport companies will:
- Arrange transport.
- Process the necessary documents.
- Personally take your embryos to where they need to go.
Although transferring them by yourself is possible, utilizing the experience and expertise of embryo shipping company’s means taking advantage of cutting-edge technology that opens up the ability for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy to start or grow your family.
Preparation and Packaging
When done properly, embryo transportation services have no negative effect on the embryo’s viability for implantation.
Before the embryos can be transported, they are frozen through a process called vitrification. Storing the frozen embryos at low temperatures stops all cellular activity, preserving the embryos until needed.
It’s a two-stage process that first exposes the embryos to the cryoprotectant agent. Then, embryos are immediately placed into liquid nitrogen at -321 Fahrenheit.
When packaging these embryos for embryo transport services, they are placed in cryogenic shipping tanks that are specifically designed to hold materials at extremely low temperatures.
In addition to packaging the frozen embryos to ensure they remain at the right temperature, there are sensors and data loggers that can be put with these shipping tanks to track the temperature during transit.
Embryo Transportation Services [Your Options]
Any human cells or tissues that are used to implant, transplant, infuse or transfer into another human recipient in the U.S. is strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
And when it comes to embryo shipping companies that are involved with the recovery, processing, storage, labeling, packaging, or distribution of human tissue and cells, they have to be registered with the FDA.
Here are some embryo transportation services here in North America:
- Core Cryolab
- Cost: Dependent on location and size of shipment
- Certifications/Qualifications: “Shipping personnel are Saf-T-Pack trained, certified and International Aviation Transportation Association compliant for the safe transport of Dangerous Goods, Biological Specimens and Division 6.2 Infectious Substances.”
- Cryoport:
- Cost: Get a quote
- Certifications/Qualifications: “As pioneers in creating and adhering to ISO 21973, Cryoport Systems has played a crucial role in shaping the global standards for the safe and effective transport of temperature-sensitive materials.”
- MedAir:
- Cost: Get a quote
- Certifications/Qualifications: “With Cold Chain Management, will ensure your samples remain in their cryogenic state from origin to destination. Plus, all our dry shippers are validated with a hold time of 21 days and meet International Air Transport Association requirements.”
Can I Transport My Own Embryos?
Yes, you can transport your own embryos. Distance is one of the variables that impact the cost of transporting your embryos. If the distance between the two clinics isn’t too far, it’s an option for you. Ask your fertility clinic if it’s possible.
Is There FedEx Embryo Shipping?
Although some companies may advertise their services for certain healthcare solutions, it may not include embryos. FedEx is a U.S. based company that has deep frozen shipping, but FedEx embryo shipping of human or animal embryos is prohibited.
How to Choose the Best Embryo Transport Company
Selecting the right embryo shipping service is crucial for ensuring the safe and effective transport of embryos. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision:
Look for a service with a proven track record in embryo shipping. Check reviews and ask for recommendations from fertility clinics or other couples who have used their services. Ensure the service complies with all relevant regulations and holds certifications from regulatory bodies. Choose a service that uses advanced technology and equipment for embryo transportation such as temperature-controlled shipping containers and monitoring systems. Opt for a service that offers excellent consistent and clear communications and is quick to address any concerns or issues that arise during transportation. Compare the costs of different services and ensure they offer insurance for the embryos. This will provide financial protection in case of any unexpected issues during shipping.
If you’re looking into embryo transportation services, you could be early in your IVF journey or looking at surrogacy as an option after a few IVF cycles. Having embryos ready means you are one step closer to starting your family as we can match you with a surrogate in an average of 1-6 months.
Contact us online to learn more about shipping frozen embryos such as the cost or how to talk to start the conversation with your clinic. – Link to other articles in this CRS