FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the CryoPort Express® Shipper one-way system work?

The CryoPort Express® Shipper system is a cost-effective, state-of-the-art, end-to-end solution for shipping frozen biological materials. The system combines an innovative pre-packaged LN₂-vapor dry shipper with web-based CryoPortal™ ordering technology and international logistics management to track and monitor the integrity of the frozen shipments worldwide. Here is how it works:

• After an order is submitted by way of the CryoPortal™, CryoPort arranges to send a CryoPort Express® Shipper, pre-charged with liquid nitrogen, via next-day delivery to the origin point of the specimen shipment.
• CryoPort prepares and attaches to the shipper all of the paperwork necessary (air bill, commercial invoice, regulatory labels, etc.) for the entire journey. When the CryoPort Express® Shipper arrives at the point of origin, the recipient personnel simply load the materials, close it up and make it available for pick-up by FedEx®. The destination address label has already been prepared and attached by CryoPort.
• Upon arrival at the shipment destination, the recipient unloads the materials from the shipper, closes it and makes it available for pick-up by FedEx® for the return to CryoPort for recycling. The return shipping address label has already been prepared and attached by CryoPort.
  

In summary, the system includes the following:

• • Use of the CryoPort Express® Shipper
  • Creation and placement of all necessary paperwork for the entire round-trip
  • The liquid nitrogen refrigerant in the shipper
  • All transportation charges involved in moving the shipper from and back to a CryoPort location
  • Recycling charges

Can we do pilot shipments of the CryoPort Express® System?

Pilot programs are available to confirm the benefits of the CryoPort Express® System for specific applications.

What are the benefits of the system?

In addition to the direct cost savings of shipping with CryoPort Express® versus a dry ice shipper, there are three elements to the system that provide significant benefits and reinforce its overall value:

1. Reduced Risk of Specimen Loss - The holding time for the CryoPort Express® Shipper is 10+ days compared to two to three days with dry-ice systems. This minimizes the risk of sample and data loss due to unexpected delays such as custom holds, routing errors or weather delays.
2. Less Environmental Impact - Unlike liquid nitrogen which evaporates harmlessly, dry-ice evaporates as carbon dioxide - a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Plus, CryoPort Express® Shippers are returned to CryoPort at the end of each shipment for recycling, so you do not have to send expanded polystyrene or polyurethane insulated boxes or cardboard used with dry-ice to landfills.
3. Fewer Regulatory Restrictions - The liquid nitrogen vapor dry shippers utilized in the CryoPort Express® System are classified as non-hazardous by IATA, and require no special labeling or handling. Dry Ice on the other hand must be labeled as dangerous goods and can be refused as cargo by the airlines. In addition, an increasing number of countries simply refuse to allow dry ice shipments into or within their borders, creating major challenges for the global movement of frozen biological materials.

What does “cryogenic” mean?

Cryogenic – derived from the Greek word kryos meaning cold, is a term use to describe very low temperatures, usually < -150C.

What is the temperature of liquid nitrogen?

Liquid nitrogen boils at normal atmospheric pressures at a temperature of -196C, and is considered a cryogenic fluid.

Is liquid nitrogen vapor toxic?

No. The earth’s atmosphere, including the air we breathe, is 78% nitrogen by volume. Liquid nitrogen vapor is an inert gas and will not react chemically or biochemically at the temperatures and pressures that the shipper will be exposed to during storage and transport. Vapor phase storage in nitrogen gas has been used for more than 50 years to preserve and store bio-materials and blood components such as red cells and white cells for patient transfusion,  as well as human embryos.

Can samples currently stored or shipped frozen with dry-ice (-0 to -80C) be safely transferred to the CryoPort Express® Shipper at -150C?

If a specimen or biological material can transition through the freezing point as happens when frozen in refrigerators and/or packed in dry ice, then holding it at liquid nitrogen temperatures will not harm the specimen. In fact, it will probably have a positive impact in that all metabolic processes and reactions will cease at these lower temperatures which will extend the viability and function of the specimen.

Will liquid nitrogen have any effect on the specimens?

The specimens placed into a CryoPort Express® Shipper do not come into contact with the liquid nitrogen. Typically the specimens will not come in contact with the nitrogen gas either, as they will typically be packaged in a leak proof, pressure proof IATA (International Air Transport Association) certified shipping enclosure – medical grade Tyvek® bag (supplied by CryoPort along with the shipper).

The CryoPort Express® System utilizes a LN₂-vapor dry shipper.
What is a “dry shipper”?

A “dry shipper”, sometimes called a “dry vapor shipper” contains no free liquid nitrogen. The liquid nitrogen has been absorbed into a patented foam retention system that holds it rather like a sponge will absorb and hold water. The foam retention system surrounds a holding chamber, and the chamber is continuously filled with the escaping nitrogen vapor, which in turn maintains the contents at -150C throughout the shipment.

Is the CryoPort Express® Shipper considered “hazardous” or “dangerous” by IATA?

No. Unlike dry-ice shippers, CryoPort Express® Shippers are classified by IATA as non-hazardous and consequently require no special labeling or handling.

What is the specific regulatory status of LN₂-vapor dry shippers?

UN1977 regulates the transportation of cargo that contains liquid nitrogen. IATA (International Air Transport Association) Special Provision A152 exempts the CryoPort Express® LN₂-vapor dry shippers because; "Insulated packaging containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen fully absorbed in a porous material and intended for transport, at low temperature, of non-dangerous products are not subject to these regulations provided the design of the insulated packaging would not allow the build-up of pressure within the container and would not permit the release of any refrigerated liquid nitrogen, irrespective of the orientation of the insulated packaging." The CryoPort Express® Shipper fully complies with IATA Special Provision A152.

Can you ship infectious materials with the CryoPort Express® Shipper?

Yes. When used in conjunction with the packaging material that is supplied by CryoPort with each CryoPort Express® Shipper, the CryoPort Express® Shipper meets IATA requirements for transporting infectious substances in both Category A and B in Dangerous Goods Division 6.2. This has been verified by an independent testing laboratory. Patient samples are often shipped under UN3373: Biological Substance, Category B.

What is the holding time for the CryoPort Express® Shipper?

The CryoPort Express® Shipper will last 10+ days in transit.

Has the holding time for the CryoPort Express® Shipper been validated?

The holding time for the CryoPort Express® Shipper has been validated by an independent testing laboratory.

What is the best application for the CryoPort Express® System?

The best application for the CryoPort Express® Shipper is clinical trials, particularly the shipment of patient specimens from clinical sites to diagnostic laboratories for analysis.

What tracking capabilities and exception response does CryoPort Express® provide?

CryoPort Express® provides 24/7 monitoring and proactive notification of exceptions via email and/or phone.

What is the CryoPortal™ “web portal”?

The CryoPortal™ is a proprietary system for ordering and managing CryoPort Express® shipments online, including tracking the movement of the CryoPort Express^® Shipper until it is delivered

What parts of the world does CryoPort Express® operate?

Globally.

How much does the CryoPort Express® System cost?

We can provide quotes based on the shipment’s point of origin and destination.

What safety precautions should be taken in working with liquid nitrogen and
dry vapor shippers?

Because of the cold temperatures, thermal protective gloves and protective eye-wear should be worn at all times when loading and unloading samples. Liquid nitrogen can displace oxygen in confined areas, so work should always be done in a well-ventilated location.