Shipping Donor Sperm and Eggs With a Nitrogen Tank

Your Liquid Nitrogen Tank Shipment - What is it and what do you get?

Liquid nitrogen is the liquid state of nitrogen at a temperature of -196°C. One of the things liquid nitrogen is used for is cryopreservation, which is what happens to your donor sperm or egg straws once they are placed in a liquid nitrogen tank.

They will be cryopreserved until they reach their destination and are ready for use, so they are viable for whatever treatment you need.

Inside the liquid nitrogen tank, the sperm or egg straws are placed in a jar, and the tank itself is then placed inside a transport box. A logging system will monitor the tank during transport to ensure the correct temperature is maintained.

Remember, your donor sperm or egg straws should be stored in the nitrogen tank until use, or they should be moved to another tank at a clinic.

You do have the option to order a large nitrogen tank rather than a small one for an additional charge. The large nitrogen tank will keep your donor sperm or egg straws frozen for up to 12 days rather than up to 7 days with the small nitrogen tank.

When you are ordering, you can indicate in the text field provided that you would like a large nitrogen tank, however, we cannot guarantee that a large nitrogen tank will be available on the day of shipment.

All shipments using liquid nitrogen tanks must be returned. There will be a free return shipping label that will be included in the documents of your shipped order. Along with that will be picture instructions on how to prepare the nitrogen tank for return delivery.

Documents that Accompany Donor Sperm/Egg Shipments

• Invoice
• Packing List
• Handling Instructions and Thawing Procedures (for sperm)
• Warming kit and handling instructions (for egg)
• Safety Warning for Handling of Liquid Nitrogen (LN2)
• Summary of Records containing test results and Standard release information
• Instructions for return of the nitrogen tank
• Shipping label for return of the nitrogen tank
• Insemination Kit for Home Insemination – for private home deliveries (sperm).

How to Handle a Liquid Nitrogen Tank

Who is Cryos' Shipping Provider?

Cryos uses FedEx as its' courier for all shipments. Please keep in mind that Cryos cannot guarantee shipments that may be delayed due to unforeseen weather. If you live near Florida, it is also possible to pick up your order of donor sperm. Follow the link to read more.

Receiving your Delivery of Sperm or Eggs

You or another adult MUST be at home to receive the delivery and sign for the package if you are shipping to a residence. FedEx will likely not leave your delivery with a doorman, as they are not obliged to sign on your behalf. You will likely incur delays if this is not fulfilled.

Please keep in mind that if FedEx has returned your delivery, your 7 day window could be significantly shortened and you could lose your straws as they will thaw out.

Donor Sperm/Egg Shipment Pricing 

Please view our donor sperm shipping prices here. Please view our donor egg shipping prices here.

Contact Us

Have more questions about shipping? Just give our Customer Care Team a call at (407) 203-1175 or email us at [email protected] Don't forget you can also start a live chat with us as well right on our website during our operating hours. We are always happy to help and look forward to making your family dreams come true! 

Note: If you are ordering donor eggs, you will need to ship to your fertility clinic. If you are ordering donor sperm, you can ship to your fertility clinic or to your home if you are doing a home insemination procedure. If you are going to use home insemination, then we can recommend you to read our blog post on how to make home insemination successful.