Transferring frozen embryos between fertility clinics can be a new and nerve-wracking process for couples trying to conceive.
You may be planning to resume your fertility journey in another country, or switching clinics within the same country.
But-fear not!
Transferring embryos within clinics is a procedure that is governed by laws to ensure their safety. These embryos are the result of hours of stimulation, hard work, and hope, and this investment amplifies the need for a smooth and secure transfer.
In this article, we’ll delve into the process, and some frequently asked questions about shipping embryos, to help you gain confidence for this procedure.
Table of contents
- What are some reasons for embryo shipping?
- Does transferring embryos impact their viability?
- How are embryos stored during shipping?
- What are the pre requisites for shipping frozen embryos safely?
- How much does it cost to ship frozen embryos?
- What are some risks associated with embryo transport between clinics?
- How to select an embryo shipping service?
What are some reasons for embryo shipping?
There are several situations where shipping embryos becomes necessary. This includes when:
- You are transitioning to a new fertility clinic
- You are relocating to a new place within the country or a new country
- You need to transport embryos to a surrogate for their transfer
While these reasons are not exclusive, transferring embryos has long been a practice that’s governed by standard protocols within labs.
Does transferring embryos impact their viability?
No, transferring embryos ideally should not impact their viability. Given that the entire process of freezing, storage and shipping is done via containers of liquid nitrogen, the procedure ensures their safety. In fact, a study by Chapman et al also suggests that there are no differences in success rates between shipped embryos and embryos on-site.
How are embryos stored during shipping?
The embryo remains frozen throughout its shipping process. They are stored in containers of dry vapor liquid nitrogen, within small devices known as ‘cryolocks’. These locks are stored within temperature-controlled containers, such as dewars and foam coolers, containing liquid nitrogen.
These safeguard embryos for about 10 days, depending on the device, and the rate at which the liquid nitrogen is refilled in the container. Shipping services or clinics provide these containers, ensuring optimal conditions.
What are the prerequisites for shipping frozen embryos safely?
Since the process of transferring frozen embryos is also governed by law, you may require a detailed letter of request from the fertility clinic to which you require the embryo to be shipped. The letter needs to be authorized by the fertility center that ships the embryo.
Apart from clinics recording these events and the eventual handover of embryos, there may be some forms associated with the shipping services, which may vary on the basis of the service used.
How much does it cost to ship frozen embryos?
The total shipping costs in the U.S. for frozen embryos usually range from $200 to $500. These are subjected to variables like distance and delivery urgency.
Ground or air shipping options are available, with options for insurance and equipment rental affecting overall expenses. While domestic shipping may cost less, international shipping may be pricier, and involve multiple or a single carrier service.
What are some risks associated with embryo transport between fertility clinics?
The process of shipping frozen embryos is quite standardized. However, as with every procedure, it’s not 100% risk-free. Here are some risks associated with the process:
During the transport there may be:
- Faulty containers used
- Improper refill of liquid nitrogen
- Mishandling of the containers
- Delayed shipping
Hence, it’s essential to choose a shipping provider who is trustworthy or offers specific cryo transport services.
How to select an embryo shipping service?
Your Fertility clinic may be associated with a shipping service or recommend one. On the other hand, some carriers that exclusively provide cryogenic shipping include:
- CryoStork
- Core Cryolab
- Princeton CryoTech
Alternatively, shipping giants FedEx and UPS provide specialized cryogenic transport services. Choosing trusted carriers reduces the chances of risk and smoothes the process of safe embryo shipping.
Shipping frozen embryos: towards a standardized, safe process
Shipping frozen embryos is a meticulously handled process that prioritizes embryo safety and viability. Patients wanting to shift their embryos need to ensure that the intended forms and the right shipping carriers are chosen. Ultimately, cryogenic technology is continually improving and modern services enhance the safety associated with transporting these embryos. With all these in place, patients are rest assured that embryo shipping is a safe, legally covered process in their fertility journey.
