When most people think about in vitro fertilization (IVF), they picture doctors, labs, embryos under microscopes, and maybe a hopeful couple waiting for news. What they rarely picture is a cryogenic tank on a plane, or a courier carefully walking a metal container into a clinic. But that’s where one of the most critical parts of the process happens.
Transporting reproductive tissue—like embryos, eggs, or sperm—is one of the most overlooked steps in IVF. And yet, if something goes wrong during that shipment, everything else can fall apart.
Let’s break down why transport is just as important as the science happening in the lab.
Why Reproductive Tissue Transport Is High-Stakes
It’s not just a delivery—it’s a life in motion
Reproductive tissue has to stay frozen at -196°C in liquid nitrogen. If that temperature rises even slightly during shipping, the tissue can be damaged or destroyed. There are no do-overs.
That’s why the cryogenic transport process requires specialized training, equipment, and planning.
It’s not like shipping a birthday gift. It’s a high-pressure job where timing, temperature, and handling all have to be perfect.
“We’ve had patients call us terrified after other providers couldn’t confirm where their embryos were,” says Don Fish, co-founder of IVF Cryo, a company that focuses on reproductive tissue transport. “One patient told me, ‘That wasn’t just a shipment. That was my last shot.’”
When transport goes right, nobody talks about it. When it goes wrong, it can change everything.
What Makes This Step So Easy to Overlook?
Clinics don’t always control it
In many cases, the clinic doesn’t handle the shipping directly. They may suggest a shipper or leave it to the patient to coordinate. That means there can be confusion around who’s responsible, how it works, and what could go wrong.
Also, many patients assume that the hardest part is getting through treatment, lab fertilization, or retrieval. But the act of moving embryos between clinics—or to long-term storage—adds a layer of risk most people aren’t prepared for.
And because it’s not as visible as the other steps, it often gets far less attention.
The Logistics Behind Every Tank
What actually happens during a shipment?
Each cryogenic transport starts with a dry shipper—a special tank designed to hold ultra-cold temperatures for several days.
That tank is pre-cooled, tested, and packed with care. Inside, embryos, eggs, or sperm are placed in vials or straws, arranged in racks, and secured for travel.
From there, it’s all about timing, tracking, and handling:
- The tank is picked up by a trained courier
- It’s driven or flown to the destination (sometimes escorted on a passenger flight)
- The clinic or storage facility receives the tank and verifies contents
- A transfer report confirms that everything remained stable during the trip
“We build in time buffers, alternate routes, and manual checks at every stop,” Fish explains. “You don’t get to cut corners when future families are involved.”
What Can Go Wrong—and How to Avoid It
Real risks that most people don’t hear about
Things that can go wrong during embryo or egg transport include:
- Temperature loss due to improper tank prep or long delays
- Mislabeled shipments ending up at the wrong location
- Poor handling from couriers not trained in cryogenic materials
- No communication with patients during transit
Any of these can result in lost tissue—or emotional and financial disaster.
Patients and clinics should always ask questions before agreeing to any shipment.
What Patients Should Ask Before a Shipment
Be informed, be direct
If you’re preparing to move your embryos or eggs, ask your clinic and transporter:
- Who is responsible for the shipment?
- What experience does the shipper have with IVF materials?
- How long is the tank rated to stay cold?
- Will I get tracking and updates?
- What happens if there’s a delay?
- Can I speak to someone during the shipment process?
“We tell every patient—you have every right to ask,” says Fish. “It’s your tissue, your future. You should know who’s handling it.”
Why Transport Companies Need to Specialize
Not every courier is the right fit
General shipping companies may have temperature-controlled options, but that’s not enough. They may not know the difference between embryo tanks and lab samples. They may treat it like any other package.
That’s where companies like IVF Cryo come in. They focus entirely on reproductive tissue. They know the stakes. They use strict handling protocols. And they communicate directly with patients and clinics.
“This isn’t something we add onto a longer delivery route,” Fish explains. “This is what we do, every day.”
Action Steps for Clinics
Set the standard, don’t just hand it off
Fertility clinics should also be proactive:
- Vet your shipping partners for experience and reliability
- Help patients understand the process before the shipment is scheduled
- Require documentation and tracking for every handoff
- Train your staff on how to support safe transport
Clinics that treat transport with the same seriousness as lab work help build trust—and avoid costly mistakes.
Final Thought
In IVF, every step matters. The science in the lab is critical. But so is the moment your embryos leave the building.
Shipping frozen reproductive tissue is a delicate task that requires precision, communication, and care. And yet, it remains one of the least-discussed parts of the process.
The good news? With the right knowledge and the right partner, it can be done safely and smoothly.
“People trust us with their future children,” Fish says. “That’s not something we ever take lightly.”
Ask the right questions. Stay involved. Make sure the untold step gets the attention it deserves.