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In
the past, this used to be a
complex and cumbersome procedure,
but one of our patients has
discovered a much simpler and
easier method.
These
are big, bulky expensive containers
which are hard to get and difficult
to carry. A dry ice box, on
the other hand, costs a few
dollars, and dry ice is easily
available at any caterer !
INTERNATIONAL
HAND CARRYING of FROZEN
SEMEN SAMPLE on DRY ICE
As
experienced by Lisa Walia on
April 15, 2005
Obtain
small personal cooler @ 8qt
( for example, Cool 8). You
can buy one from www.igloocoolers.com.
Fill
(Pack) entire cooler with dry
ice. This can be obtained from
a caterer at about $1.50/pd.
Collect
frozen sample already frozen
in liquid nitrogen at local
clinic. Disperse vials evenly
throughout the cooler. Be prepared
to sign a
document stating the clinic
has no responsibility for the
sample after it is released.
Have
the clinic write up statement
about what the sample is and
where it is going.( For example,
... Clinic certifies that the
contents of these tow containers
are human sperm samples of ...
frozen and stored in dry ice.)
Attach
all paperwork to the cooler
so it is clearly visible. Carry
extra copies of these documents
with you.
Do
not tape the cooler shut, as
it might have to be opened for
security checks.
Do
not let cooler be passed through
X-Ray, this could hinder the
samples viability.
Do
not open the Cooler for extended
periods of time. The less you
open the cooler the better.
Keep
the cooler in areas of lowest
temperature possible. Ask the
airline if they can store the
whole cooler in their refrigerator
or freezer on board.
Keep
fly/ transportation time to
a minimum. Dry ice only lasts
24-48 hours depending on how
it is stored.
Get
cooler as soon as possible for
entry back into liquid nitrogen
suspension.
HINTS
* Obtain dry ice and sample
right before your flight
* Can handle dry ice with bare
hands if you move quickly
* Always inform anyone who asks
what the cooler is, for it's
safety. If security opens the
cooler, do so only for minimal
times. Once
they know what it is they actually
want to help !
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