Can frozen embryos be transported safely? Yes – but the right courier matters

Whether it’s to a new clinic in the same city, or across borders to a different state or country, it’s completely understandable to worry about how safe the embryo transport process really can be. After all, that’s your personal biomaterial, and small questions about safety can feel huge when what’s on the line is so important.

If that’s you right now, you’re not the only one. Diving into Reddit (as we so often do for insight) we’re met with a multitude of threads all asking the same thing, “Can frozen embryos be transported safely?” or “Is it safe to courier embryos?”

Medair Global is one of the specialist teams leading the way in embryo courier safety and IVF logistics. They’ve been securely transporting embryos for patients and clinics worldwide for years, using tried-and-tested systems that protect every shipment from start to finish.

So, we sat down with their friendly team for a little more detail, as well as for some pointers on how to choose a safe courier for transporting frozen embryos.

At a glance…

• This article answers the question: Can frozen embryos be transported​ safely? and helps readers to choose a safe and professional courier
• Transporting frozen embryos safely is absolutely possible, when managed by a professional IVF logistics company

Can frozen embryos be transported safely? Here’s what makes it possible

The short answer here is yes, when handled by the right specialists, transporting embryos frozen is an extremely safe, well-regulated process. Here’s the quick 101. 

The safety of frozen embryo transport depends on three things:

1. Temperature control
2. Traceability
3. Expertise

What is a safe temperature for transporting embryos frozen?

Embryos are kept at a cryogenic temperature of -196°C throughout the journey. This is the same temperature they’re stored at in the clinic, which keeps them stable.

Medair Global uses validated cryogenic dry shippers that can maintain the proper temperature for up to 21 days, giving plenty of buffer time for international travel or unexpected delays.

How are frozen embryos tracked in transit?

With Medair Global, each container is fitted with temperature loggers and GPS tracking, so both the condition and location of the embryos are monitored at all times.

What are some of the certifications that make the process safe? 

There are a few layers of oversight that mean the process is tightly monitored, safe, and fully traceable from start to finish.

For example, Medair Global’s systems are certified to ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 standards and fully comply with IATA and WHO GDP regulations.

How frozen embryos are transported

The transport process needs to be carefully planned and coordinated with both the sending and receiving clinics before anything moves.

Medair Global follows a detailed step-by-step process to ensure everything runs smoothly:

• Clinic coordination: Both clinics are contacted to confirm readiness and align all paperwork.
• Regulatory documentation: Medair handles customs permits and legal paperwork. Pick-up only happens once the destination clinic confirms everything is in place.
• Cryogenic preparation: Embryos are placed in IATA-compliant dry shippers filled with liquid nitrogen vapour.
• Real-time monitoring: GPS and temperature tracking continue throughout the journey.
• Personal oversight: A Medair specialist monitors every shipment from departure to delivery, ensuring safety and compliance at every point.

This level of planning and communication means there are no surprises once the shipment is underway.

For more on the process, dive into our guide to moving embryos between clinics, created with expert input from the Medair Global team.

Is it safe to courier embryos? How the professionals make it work

Yes, it’s safe – but choosing a professional embryo transport company, rather than a general courier, makes all the difference. 

We’re talking about your personal material here, and it needs specialist handling, legal understanding, and personal care.

Medair Global brings over 20 years of experience to their IVF logistics. Their team:

• uses medical-grade cryogenic technology built for biological materials.
• personally monitors shipments, rather than relying on automated systems.
• manages customs and clinic coordination directly.
• keeps you informed with regular updates and clear communication.

It’s this combination of expertise and care that helps people on a journey just like yours to feel confident their embryos are being handled safely and respectfully.

The safeguards to look for

It’s worth asking a few key questions about safety and compliance when you’re comparing companies.

Look for:

• ISO and IATA certifications: These confirm international standards for transport and quality.
• WHO GDP compliance: Ensures biological materials are handled correctly throughout the journey.
• Validated dry shippers: Containers should maintain cryogenic conditions for at least 21 days.
• Continuous monitoring: Real-time tracking for both temperature and location.
• Insurance options: Specialist cover for additional peace of mind.

Deciding between couriers?

Here are three helpful questions to ask, and how Medair Global answers each one:

1. Do you use validated cryogenic equipment with real-time monitoring?

Medair Global’s dry shippers include continuous GPS and temperature tracking.

2. Can you manage international paperwork and customs clearance?

All documentation, permits, and clinic coordination are handled in-house.

3. What happens if there’s a delay or emergency?

Medair Global has 24/7 support, alternative routing options, and specialist insurance in place.

These are the practical details that make the process dependable and stress-free.

Need to transport embryos?

Make Medair Global your go-to. Head to their website and explore their dedicated IVF logistics pages, or get in touch with their team directly for a quote to get the process started.

Plus, if you’re still in the research phase, peep the following quick links and resources created in partnership with their expert team, for more top-notch education:

• What happens when moving your embryos between IVF clinics, step by step
• How much does it cost to transport embryos​? A handy mini-breakdown
• IVF frozen embryo transport success stories, straight from families who’ve used Medair Global