The CryoPort Express® dry shipper uses liquid nitrogen (LN2), not dry ice, as the refrigerant and is able to maintain a temperature of <-150°C for more than 10 days. The low temperature is critical for reducing risk of biological degradation and the long holding time makes it the safest shipping method to minimize risk of temperature excursions. The container is designated as a "dry shipper" because our proprietary design results in the LN2 being fully absorbed in a porous foam retention medium that surrounds the specimen chamber. Cold vapor emanating from the liquid nitrogen entrapped within the foam retention system provides cooling for 10 or more days eliminating the need for intervention and “re-icing” on long haul and cross border shipping lanes. The foam retention system fully absorbs the liquid nitrogen preventing any spilling – regardless of orientation - even tipped on its side the liquid nitrogen remains entrapped in the foam and the specimen cylinder stays dry.
The Dry Shipper arrives at the initial loading point with two bags for packing the samples or product into the cooled chamber. One bag is made of an absorbent material and one made of Tyvek®, which provides an outer protective barrier and is rated for the safe transport of infectious substances. Simply place the specimen cryovials on holding canes, double bag, and place the bag in the Dry Shipper. See specifications below for holding capacity.
A data logger can be included with the container to monitor the temperature during the entire journey. Unlike conventional data loggers that might measure the temperature of the box, CryoPort's data logger ensures an accurate measure of specimen temperature exposure because the sensor is placed directly in the specimen chamber.
This simple design allows our proprietary container to be designated as a “dry shipper” and to meet International Air Transport Association ("IATA") requirements, including the stringent Packing Instructions 602 and 650, defining internal pressure and drop performance requirements.