Case study
Biocair ensures last chance of success for IVF
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment is now a global affair that involves patients, fertility clinics, embryologists and logistics specialists.
Each country has different legislation relating to fertility treatments, and many patients are now seeking IVF in a country that supports their specific needs. It is therefore crucial to secure reliable transportation for invaluable frozen eggs, sperms or embryos from one fertility clinic to another for further treatment cycles.
A patient needed a specialist courier to manage the transportation of frozen eggs from a fertility clinic in Russia to Singapore.
Collaborating with a company with in-depth knowledge of cryogenic shipping is vital, as any mistake in the cold chain can have devastating effects.
Customer
Individual patient
Challenge
Time-critical international transport of invaluable frozen eggs
Solution
Specialist cryogenic shipping services from door to door
Locations
Challenges
Transporting frozen eggs can be a complicated process. There are many aspects relating to logistics and documentation required that need to be considered to ensure the successful transportation of gametes.
There are also various parties involved within the cold supply chain, such as clinicians, airport security teams and customs clearance, all of whom must be interconnected.
Ensuring safe transportation of cryopreserved materials
“The process requires additional permits for import/export and customs, as well as advanced packaging technologies to securely store the materials at a specific temperature.
The strict temperature requirements (-196C) and alternative security measures to avoid x-rays ensure that the safety and quality of the eggs is maintained, meaning they arrive in perfect condition.
The safety of the fragile eggs is absolutely paramount to the success of the operation - there is no margin for mistake”.
Kevin Xu
General Manager, Biocair APAC
The patients were let down by a different courier during the previous fertility treatment, so it was literally their last chance.
Solution
Liquid nitrogen dewar and cryogenic shipping
Due to the strict temperature profiles of the samples, Biocair used a liquid nitrogen dry vapor shipping container (familiarly known as an LN2 dewar). These advanced systems are purpose-built for the safe transportation of eggs and other biological samples, such as semen and embryos, used in fertility treatment.
Due to the challenging import/export requirements, associated transportation times and route, Biocair developed contingency plans to maintain the cryogenic temperature during transit.
Cryogenic shipping ensures safe delivery of the invaluable cryomaterials
Advanced preparation of shipment documentation
Biocair’s customs brokerage teams prepared all documentation and permits for export from Russia and import permits where required, adhering to all national and international requirements relating to tissue and cell directives.
Real-time tracking, 24/7 support and open communication
Biocair’s global network of offices provided comprehensive logistical support from collection to delivery.
Included in this were tracking and monitoring technologies, giving complete peace of mind to the patient who could access key updates including dewar pick up time, routing and delivery schedules.
Throughout the process, Biocair’s project management experts liaised directly with the patient.
Summary
For over 35 years Biocair has provided logistical support exclusively to the life sciences sectors, establishing relationships with the world’s leading airlines and developing expert knowledge of the global life sciences supply chain. As a result, Biocair could guarantee the prompt and punctual delivery of the materials.
A personalized service is vital when transporting samples that are irreplaceable, invaluable and unique to that individual.
Do you need support with cold supply chain shipping solutions? Find out how Biocair can help.
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