TL;DR
- What ships here is 5 to 10 biopsied cells heading to a genetics lab, not the embryo itself. The embryo stays put, so the protocol has little to do with whole-embryo shipping.
- Frozen route: cells cryopreserved in PCR tubes, moved on dry ice or in a liquid nitrogen dry shipper. You buy timeline flexibility.
- Fresh route: cells sit in lysis buffer at room temperature or refrigerated, and the lab has to have them inside 48 hours. Simpler container, harder clock.
- Documentation is the part that bites. Chain of custody forms, HIPAA-coded patient ID, embryo ID numbers, biopsy date and time, and the specific test requested (PGT-A, PGT-M, PGT-SR). The lab's accreditation depends on that chain holding.
PGD/PGT-A Sample Logistics: Biopsy Specimen Transport
PGD Sample Transport Quick Facts
- Sample Type: Embryo biopsy cells (5-10 cells)
- Transport Method: Frozen in tubes or fresh on dry ice
- Destination: PGT testing laboratory
- Timeline: 24-48 hours to lab
- Chain of Custody: Critical for lab accreditation
Understanding PGT Sample Transport
After embryo biopsy for Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A, PGT-M, or PGT-SR), the biopsied cells must be transported to a specialized genetics laboratory for analysis. This transport requires different protocols than whole embryo shipping.
Transport Protocols
Method 1: Frozen Sample Transport
- Sample Storage: Cryopreserved in specialized PCR tubes
- Transport Container: Dry ice shipper or dry shipper
- Temperature: -80°C (dry ice) or -190°C (liquid nitrogen)
- Advantage: More flexible timeline
Method 2: Fresh Sample Transport
- Sample Storage: Lysis buffer in PCR tubes
- Transport Container: Room temperature or refrigerated
- Timeline: Must arrive within 48 hours
- Advantage: Simpler transport requirements
Documentation Requirements
- Chain of custody forms
- Patient identification (coded for HIPAA)
- Embryo identification numbers
- Biopsy date and time
- Test type requested (PGT-A, PGT-M, etc.)
Related Resources
GuardianCryo Compliance Team
Chief Compliance Officer
Our compliance team leads GuardianCryo's commitment to maintaining the highest standards in medical logistics, regulatory compliance and biological material transport.
For Fertility Clinics & Labs
Partner With GuardianCryo
Give your patients a courier who signs for their samples at your lab and does not let go until the receiving embryologist signs for them. Volume pricing and dedicated account management available.
No X-Ray Protocol
Insured Transport
IATA Compliant
