Top 15 Frequently Asked Questions About Cryo Transport and International Shipping of Embryos, Sperm, and Egg Cells
- Greenplace Healthcare
- Jun 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 12
If you're considering transporting your embryos, sperm, or egg cells—whether domestically or internationally—this guide answers the 15 most important questions you need to know. From cost to safety, paperwork, and legal compliance, this is the world’s most comprehensive cryo shipping FAQ, designed to help patients, clinics, and coordinators make informed decisions.
At Greenplace Healthcare, we are a medically regulated company led by biomedical scientists with deep expertise in fertility, reproductive biology, and cryogenic transport. Our logistics solutions meet global compliance standards, with over 2,000 transports already completed worldwide.
1. How long can sperm and eggs survive during transport?
Cryogenically preserved (frozen) sperm and eggs can survive for decades if stored in liquid nitrogen tanks at -196°C. For transport, samples remain viable for 7–19 days inside LN2 (dry shipper) tanks depending on the tank type and manufacturer.
2. Can you ship frozen embryos, sperm, or eggs internationally?
Yes. Greenplace Healthcare offers fully licensed and insured international cryo transport, including door-to-door shipping and onboard courier (OBC) hand carry services. This means our biomedical scientists and professional medical couriers travel onboard the aircraft with your cells ensuring they are under constant supervision. We work with fertility clinics worldwide and clients to ensure safe, legal transfers.
3. How is the temperature maintained during transport?
We use:
Liquid nitrogen tanks (for frozen samples)
Portable CO₂ incubators (for fresh embryo and oocyte transport)
All devices are calibrated to IVF laboratory standards and monitored in real-time to maintain precise conditions. Temperature reports are shared with clients during and after transport.
4. Is it safe to transport frozen embryos, sperm, or eggs?
Yes—when done professionally. Greenplace uses shock-resistant, validated tanks and provides insurance options. Our team includes biomedical scientists who understand the nuances of cryogenic transport.
5. How much does it cost to ship frozen embryos or sperm?
Costs vary based on distance, urgency, and whether an onboard courier service is used. Prices typically range from £200 to £6,000+, including insurance, documentation, and clinic coordination.
6. What paperwork is needed to ship embryos or sperm across borders?
Documents may include:
Clinic-to-clinic transfer forms
Import/export permits (where required)
Consent and legal release forms
In the UK, all transport must comply with HFEA regulations.
7. What happens if the shipment is delayed or lost?
All our shipments include GPS tracking ( we are the only courier company offering this) and are insured. In rare cases of delay, our tanks maintain internal temperatures for up to 14 days. Greenplace also uses contingency routing and 24/7 courier oversight. Insurance can cover your cells up to £36,750.
8. Can I hand-carry embryos or sperm on a plane?
Yes—with the correct permits and dry shipper tanks. Greenplace offers onboard courier (OBC) hand-carry services where trained couriers personally accompany your samples door-to-door.
9. What’s the difference between fresh and frozen embryo transport?
Frozen samples use LN2 tanks
Fresh samples require portable CO₂ incubators kept at 37°C
Fresh sample transport is highly time-sensitive and demands exact IVF coordination.
10. Do I need clinic approval before shipping embryos or sperm?
Yes. Clinics must authorise release and approve the shipping. Greenplace coordinates directly with both sending and receiving clinics.
11. Can I transport embryos or sperm in or out of the UK?
Yes—as long as you follow HFEA regulations. Greenplace is CQC-registered, ISO 9001:2015 certified, and operates legally under UK and international laws.
12. Can I ship embryos, egg cells, and sperm to or from Africa?
Absolutely. Greenplace Healthcare is the leading cryogenic logistics provider in Africa, with special focus on:
Nigeria (local office + dual-national couriers)
Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire
We manage daily shipments to and from these countries, ensuring full compliance, documentation, and temperature control—supported by local language-speaking couriers to simplify customs.
13. Is insurance included in embryo or sperm shipping?
Yes. Greenplace offers custom insurance packages to cover:
Loss in transit
Theft in transit
Coverage options can be tailored to your needs.
14. Can I track my sperm or embryo shipment in real time?
Yes. Every Greenplace transport includes:
GPS shipment tracking
Real-time temperature logs
Live updates and alerts
24/7 support desk
15. Why choose Greenplace Healthcare for cryo transport?
Led by biomedical scientists with expertise in fertility and reproductive medicine
Specialists in both frozen and fresh IVF cell logistics
Trained medical couriers with scientific knowledge
The only courier company offering live map tracking via client portal
The only courier company offering insurance through regulated insurance company
Fully compliant with HFEA, CQC, and international health regulations
Local operations in Africa and the UK, with bilingual/dual-national staff
Over 2,000 successful global shipments
Bonus: Legal DNA Testing Services in the UK
If you are based in the UK and using surrogacy or egg/sperm donation, Greenplace Healthcare also operates a diagnostics and screening clinic. We specialize in legally admissible DNA testing approved by the Home Office with our partner CQC registered labs—ideal for immigration, surrogacy, and legal parentage verification. This service is available for a fee to all clients using our cryo transport.
Get a Quote or Free Consultation
📧 Email: info@greenplacehealthcare.com
📞 Phone: +44 2081500059
🌐 Website: www.greenplacehealthcare.com
Let Greenplace Healthcare safeguard your most precious cells—because your future deserves nothing less than precision, care, and world-class protection.
