The Safest Hand Carry Shipping and Transport for Embryos, Eggs and Sperm Cells in Europe - Greenplace Healthcare

Greenplace Healthcare
Jul 7
6 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

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IVF courier Europe — EUROPE CRYO TRANSPORT: Sweden Embryo Transport with Greenplace Healthcare Ltd

Transporting biological samples such as eggs, embryos, sperm, and cell samples is a critical part of fertility treatments, preimplantation genetic (PG) testing, and medical research. The integrity and safety of these samples are essential to their successful use, making it paramount to choose the right transport service.

Greenplace Healthcare specializes in hand carry cryo shipping services—offering the safest, most secure way to transport biological materials across Europe and to/from the rest of the world, including Nigeria.

What Is Cryo Shipping and Why Is It Important?

Cryo shipping refers to the transport of biological samples that must be maintained at ultra-low temperatures to preserve their viability. This method is essential for fertility treatments, embryo freezing, egg freezing, sperm transport, and stem cell research.

Materials like eggs, embryos, sperm, and cell samples need to be stored and transported under tightly controlled conditions, typically in liquid nitrogen vapor phase, to ensure they remain viable and functional upon arrival.

Why Greenplace Healthcare Is the Safest Choice for Cryo Shipping in Europe and Worldwide

Traditional shipping methods expose delicate materials to multiple handling points, temperature changes, and potential delays. In contrast, hand carry transport ensures that samples are personally overseen by an experienced courier from pickup to delivery, minimizing risk and maximizing safety.

Here’s Why Greenplace Healthcare Leads the Industry

Greenplace Healthcare is the only ISO 9001 accredited courier in Europe and the UK specializing in biological sample transport. This prestigious certification highlights our commitment to the highest quality management standards and consistent service excellence.

We are also a Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulated healthcare company, ensuring we meet stringent healthcare and safety regulations—making us a trusted partner in the medical and fertility sectors.

Link to CQC registration: https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-22157088651

Our team is led by experienced biomedical scientists, bringing deep scientific expertise to every aspect of cryo shipping and biological sample handling. This unique leadership guarantees that your precious samples receive the expert care they deserve.

Personalized, Secure Hand Carry Transport

Your biological samples are under the constant supervision of our trained medical professional couriers. Unlike traditional medical cargo services where samples may be passed between handlers, Greenplace guarantees a single courier manages the entire journey. This minimizes exposure to risks and ensures careful handling from start to finish.

Comprehensive Insurance for Your Peace of Mind

Every shipment is fully insured through FCA regulated insurance—Greenplace offers insurance coverage up to £36,750 per shipment, protecting your valuable biological materials against unforeseen issues.

Live Real-Time Tracking

With our real-time GPS and temperature monitoring system, you can track the exact location and temperature of your biological samples throughout the shipment. This transparency provides peace of mind every step of the way.

Dedicated Client Portal

Our client portal streamlines communication by providing a central hub to access tracking data, shipment documents, and updates, simplifying logistics management for both patients and clinics.

Global and Intra-European Shipping Expertise

Whether you’re shipping within Europe (e.g., Cyprus to Spain, UK to Germany, Greece to France) or internationally (e.g., Europe to Nigeria, USA, or Asia), Greenplace Healthcare ensures your biological materials are handled with utmost care and comply with all regulatory requirements. With over 1800 shipments already completed.

How Do You Transport Embryos in Europe?

Transporting embryos across Europe requires strict adherence to international health regulations, including the EU Tissue and Cells Directives and local import/export rules.

The process includes:

Notification of both exporting and importing fertility clinics about the shipment.
Preparation of import/export documentation and customs clearance.
Use of specialized cryogenic dry shippers filled with liquid nitrogen vapor to maintain temperatures below -150°C.
Hand carry by trained couriers who accompany the samples during the entire journey, avoiding exposure to temperature fluctuations or X-rays.

Can You Transport Frozen Embryos Abroad?

Yes, you can legally transport frozen embryos abroad, but it requires careful adherence to strict regulatory requirements. Both clinics and patients must coordinate with a trusted courier service—such as Green[lace Healthcare—that specializes in cryogenic transport and manages all the necessary documentation, customs clearance, and cold chain logistics to ensure safe and compliant shipment.

Regulatory Considerations

Transporting frozen embryos internationally involves complying with both the exporting and importing countries’ regulations. In the UK, for example, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) regulates the import and export of sperm, eggs, and embryos. According to the HFEA’s guidelines, clinics and patients must:

Obtain appropriate licenses and permissions for exporting or importing reproductive materials.
Ensure that samples are shipped using approved carriers who can maintain the required ultra-low temperatures throughout transit.
Provide all documentation and declarations required by customs and health authorities to prevent delays or legal issues.

For more detailed information on these requirements, you can visit the official HFEA page on importing and exporting sperm, eggs, and embryos.

Example from HFEA Guidance

The HFEA highlights that the transport of embryos must always maintain the integrity of the cold chain, using liquid nitrogen vapor-phase dry shippers or equivalent equipment. Samples must be carefully tracked, and proper records must be maintained for regulatory audits.

Clinics are also required to confirm that the receiving clinic or laboratory is licensed to accept imported embryos, ensuring compliance with local laws and patient safety.

Why Use Liquid Nitrogen in Cryo Shipping?

Liquid nitrogen is essential because it keeps biological samples at ultra-low temperatures (-196°C in liquid phase, ~-150°C in vapor phase), which is critical to preserving cell viability. Transport tanks (dry shippers) are charged with liquid nitrogen vapor, preventing ice crystal formation that could damage eggs, sperm, or embryos.

How Much Does Embryo Transport Cost in Europe?

Costs vary depending on:

The distance and route (e.g., Cyprus to UK vs. Germany to France).
Whether you opt for individual or consolidated shipments.
Customs and documentation fees.
Insurance coverage levels.

At GreenPlace Healthcare, we offer competitive, transparent pricing with options to consolidate multiple shipments to reduce costs without compromising safety.

The Greenplace Healthcare Transport Process: What You Need to Do

Notify Both Clinics: Inform your exporting and importing clinics that Greenplace Healthcare will be the official courier.
Confirm Shipping Partner: Ensure both clinics understand Greenplace Healthcare will handle all logistics, paperwork, and compliance.
We Handle the Rest: We coordinate customs clearance, import/export documentation, and arrange collection and delivery.
Track in Real Time: Monitor your shipment through our live tracking system.
Enjoy Peace of Mind: Comprehensive insurance protects your biological samples throughout transit.

Flexible Shipping Options to Suit Every Need

Combined Shipments: Consolidate multiple samples for cost savings.
Individual Shipments: Secure, dedicated transport for each sample or client.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is embryo transport in Europe?

Embryo transport refers to the secure transfer of frozen or fresh embryos between fertility clinics or countries in Europe, using specialized cryogenic equipment to maintain viability.

Can I transport sperm or oocytes across Europe?

Yes. Sperm and oocytes are routinely shipped across Europe under strict temperature control and regulatory compliance.

How long does embryo transport take in Europe?

Typically 1-3 business days, depending on the origin, destination, and customs clearance.

How is temperature maintained during transport?

Samples are kept in liquid nitrogen vapor dry shippers, ensuring temperatures below -150°C are maintained throughout.

Is hand carry transport better than traditional cargo?

Yes. Hand carry reduces handling points, prevents temperature fluctuations, and offers faster, safer deliveries.

How much does embryo transport cost in Europe?

Costs vary based on route, shipment size, and service level. Contact Greenplace Healthcare for a tailored quote.

Why Choose GreenPlace Healthcare for Your Cryo Shipping Needs?

Whether you’re transporting embryos, eggs, sperm, or cell samples across Europe or globally, Greenplace Healthcare offers the safest, most secure hand carry transport services available.

With comprehensive insurance, live tracking, personalized service, and expert regulatory compliance, you can trust that your biological samples will arrive safely and on time.