How to Safely Ship Frozen Sperm
The correct shipment method for frozen
sperm/semen samples is critical to the survival of the samples. The
shipping process is identical for both washed and non-washed samples.
The safest and preferred method of shipment is in a liquid nitrogen
tank. This ensures the correct storage temperature is maintained for
at least seven(7) days in the event that the shipment is delayed due
to unforseen circumstances such as bad weather. The approximate
temperature of the liquid nitrogen is -200 degrees.
The preparation of the liquid nitrogen tank is also very important. The tank must be completely filled with liquid nitrogen at least twenty-four(24) to forty-eight(48) hours prior to the shipment. This will ensure that the tank walls are completely saturated with the liquid nitrogen to prevent thawing of the samples. Prior to shipment, the excess liquid nitrogen is removed from the tank. This allows the tank to be shipped as a "dry shipper" so that it is not considered "dangerous goods" by transportation companies such as Fed-Ex.
When an order for a sample shipment is taken, the required number of samples are selected, placed in a cane and then the cane is placed in the tank. The lab. must complete this process as quickly as possible to prevent thawing and to ensure the sample integrity.
Just prior to shipment, the excess liquid nitrogen is removed from the tank, the lid replaced and sealed. The tank is then placed in a suitable outer shipping container. This shipping container must be labelled in accordance with all regulations i.e. directional arrows to ensure the container is kept upright at all times, dry shipper and non-hazardous labels. A record of transaction should accompany the sample(s)stating the patient's name, doctor, sample identification and the post thaw results. A statement must also be made to verify that the samples have been tested and quarantined in accordance with all state and federal regulations. This will ensure the patient received the correct sample(s) as ordered.
Instructions should also accompany the shipment for the correct handling of liquid nitrogen due to the extremely low temperature. If handled incorrectly, contact with the skin will cause a severe burn.
A secondary method of shipment is in dry ice. This method is usually used for short term transportation i.e. 3 to 4 hour delivery time. Dry ice may be used for inter-state transportation,however, there are a few draw backs to this method of transportation. The dry ice ususaly only lasts for about twenty-four(24) hours so if there was a delay in the shipment the samples would thaw and would not be suitable for insemination. This shipment method should only be used if the sample is to be used on the day that it arrives at the doctor's office. Dry ice only maintains the samples at about -80 degrees. Samples shipped in dry ice should not be transferred back into a liquid nitrogen storage tank because of the great difference in the temperatures. Transferring semen sample between these two temperatires may be detremental to the original integrity.
It is also advisable to insure the samples with the transportation company. Should there be a delay in the shipment and the patient misses her ovulation, or the samples thaw, the transportation company would be liable for the charges.
May 1997
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