We will transport your precious material
to a destination that you choose

  • Individual
    Approach
  • Years
    of Experience
  • Operate
    Worldwide
Read How We Work

About us

Company CTshipper. was established 2013 and specializes in the transport of reproductive cells necessary for the infertility treatment which applies methods of assisted reproduction.

We are the first company in the Czech Republic which was allowed to initiate its activities on the basis of a permit by the State Institute of Drug Control as a highly specialized transport company focusing on the transportation of human tissues and cells to be used with humans.

Our experience

  • As we had the chance to take a long-term observation of different means of transport used for the reproductive cells, in this branch we have known for many years the transportation of these very precious samples without any appropriate control mechanisms which such cells definitely deserve to have. At present, both Czech and European legislation require specific transport companies able to ensure the growing demands for the transportation of human cells.
  • As reproduction medicine professionals recognized worldwide, we understand the demands of transported samples during transport. We know the external risks that can threaten the quality of human cells and we are able to prevent them. The vitrification technique which requires extremely fast freezing in liquid nitrogen can serve as a good example. As samples preserved like this are of a minimum volume (in units of microlitres), their exposure to temperatures above -170 °C represents a very high risk, even for a short period of time.

Our philosophy

We fully realize that the transport of human tissues and cells is a very sensitive issue. Although human sperm, eggs or embryos are nearly invisible to the human eye, they represent a huge potential, giving the chance to create a new life.

Technology and safety

  • The transport of reproductive cells is based on keeping conditions as close as possible to liquid nitrogen. At this temperature the cell processes almost stops and the cells are able to survive these conditions for many years without any loss of quality. For this purpose we use transportation double-wall cryo containers made by the leading manufacturer Taylor-Wharton. The containers contain absorption material which is then filled with liquid nitrogen in advanced timing so that the nitrogen can be absorbed. The amount of liquid nitrogen in the container varies according to the individual means of transport.
  • For on-road transport completely filled transport containers are used. Absolute stability of the inner environment (-196 °C) and free of any deviations is ensured. The inner environment is stable for 25-30 days.
  • For air transport no liquid is allowed inside the container. All unabsorbed nitrogen is removed. The temperature can vary by up to 20 °C, depending on the ambient temperature. If properly handled, the inner environment can remain stable for up to 18 days.
  • The environment stability is measured in regular intervals in the course of the whole transport and evaluated at the end. The report is then submitted to both the shipping and receiving institutions so that they can assess whether the transportation conditions were met. Environment stability in the transport container is examined each year.
  • One of the highest risks with reproductive cells is their exposure to X-ray radiation. X-ray radiation has a negative impact on the DNA stability. If you imagine that it is only the one transported cell (sperm/egg) that will give the origin to the whole organism, this risk must be completely eliminated. Unfortunately, it is still common all over the world that the container with the transported sperm is exposed to X-ray checks by the security guards at the frontier. To minimize these risks our supervisor accompanies your samples throughout the whole time of transportation and ensures that no such situation occurs.

Flexibility

  • We are able to adapt to the requirements of clients and specification of samples in the maximum possible way. We transport the samples in the quarantine, positive or vitrified samples. We approach everyone entirely individually and also we are able to ensure express delivery. Every transport is unique for us and we are willing to advise the shipping as well as receiving institution with the complicated administrative tasks.
  • Since we know the processes on the side of medical facilities, we can assist you above the frame of standard duties. If the preparation comes to a standstill, we will be able to offer a convenient solution for the shipping and receiving institution, speed up communication and the whole preparation stage.

We believe you will be fully satisfied with our services.

Why CTshipper

  • We provide transport of reproduction material both within the Czech Republic and worldwide.
  • Therefore, we prepare the distribution for you according to your individual requirements.
  • We fulfill and observe all conditions which are stipulated by the current Czech legislation.
  • We have had many years of experience with distribution of gametes.
  • We are aware of the delicacy of the issue of distribution procedure in its full extent.
  • We are able to adapt to the requirements of clients and specification of samples in the maximum possible way. We transport the samples in the quarantine, positive or vitrified samples. We approach everyone entirely individually and also we are able to ensure express delivery. Every transport is unique for us and we are willing to advise the shipping as well as receiving institution with the complicated administrative tasks.
  • We respect the ethical code when providing our services.
Order Transport

Transport services

    Our transports

  • At present, transports of sperm, eggs and embryos are common. We are able to ensure transport of other human tissues and cells preserved in liquid nitrogen also.

    Where we transport

  • Our activities focus mainly on the European continent.

On-road transport in liquid nitrogen

The On-Road transport is a quick way of transporting samples on short and middle distances (up to 1500 km). This kind of transport can prevent complications with safety checks in airports and enables better scheduling of the sample transport. The transportation container can be completely filled with liquid nitrogen which provides for an absolute stable temperature of -196 °C.

This can be used in the sample vitrification technique which requires extremely fast freezing in liquid nitrogen. As samples preserved like this are of a minimum volume (in units of microlitres), their exposure to temperatures above -170 °C represents a very high risk, even for a short period of time.

Air transport under presence of supervisor

One of the highest risks with reproductive cells is their exposure to X-ray radiation or unauthorized handling when opening the container. To minimize these risks our supervisor accompanies your samples throughout the whole time, both on road and air transportation and ensures that no such situation occurs. The container is never handed over to any third party and our appointed supervisor accompanies your consignment at all times. All of our supervisors are trained to assess the transport conditions and prevent any damage to the samples.

When transporting the cells by air, it is impossible to keep them directly in liquid nitrogen for the strict aviation safety rules. For this purpose we use transportation double-wall cryo containers made by the leading manufacturer Taylor-Wharton. They contain absorption material which is filled with liquid nitrogen in advanced timing so that the nitrogen can be absorbed. All unabsorbed liquid nitrogen must be removed. The container is not transported in the luggage compartment, but directly on board under our continuous supervision.

Review

Gail O'Brien

Excellent Professional Service

CTShipper provide an excellent service. Lukas was extremely helpful and attentive; his correspondence was excellent and our sperm samples were transferred safely and smoothly to our destination clinic. If I could give them a 10 stars rating I would!


If you are satisfied with our service, please write us at info@ctshipper.eu

Tim Large

Superb Service!

We had the pleasure of dealing directly with Lukáš Beránek, general manager of CTShipper, and can say without hesiatation that the service was second to none. Lukáš was always quick to respond to our queries, extremely helpful in guiding us through the process and very efficient in organising a logistically demanding shipment. We especially appreciated his professional and kind manner in the way he dealt with all our questions and concerns. In short, we have no reservation in recommending CTShipper, which provided a door-to-door service that gave us peace of mind and confidence.


If you are satisfied with our service, please write us at info@ctshipper.eu

Distribution

  • Your precious cryopreserved material is under absolute control of a professionally trained employee during the entire time of the transfer.
  • We never hand the container over to third parties.
  • We guarantee that the biological material will not be exposed to X-radiation.
  • We inform you online about the state of the transport.
  • We will handle the entire transport procedure for you free of charge, that is, all operations and formalities related to the process of distribution (communication 'with authorities, transport companies, clinics and other facilities).
  • We provide transport in double-tube cryogenic containers (Dewar flasks) filled with liquid nitrogen that ensures optimal temperature.
  • In the course of the entire transport we keep the inner temperature of the cryogenic container thoroughly under observation with the help of an electronic data logger.
  • In order to obtain detailed information, please contact us on the e-mail address info@ctshipper.eu.
Order Transport

Legislation

  • Transport of human tissues and cells for further use on humans is very strictly regulated by the directives of the European Union. Every state can also have their own legislative regulation which has to be taken into consideration.
  • These rules and directives are to ensure a high standard for the transport of human tissues, cells and organs so as to avoid any violation of their safety and/or quality. Their aim is to also provide protection from any incompetent handling and trading with them. These are reasons which make the whole process uneasy to accomplish. There are a number of permits, documents and control mechanisms. Owing to these factors the process is very time-demanding and the complete preparation can take weeks.
  • Transportation of human tissues and cells in the European Union is regulated by Directive 2004/23/ES. So far the conditions for transport on the European level have not been specified in more detail, nevertheless, the European guideline 2013/C 68/01 on the Good Distribution Practice of Medicinal Products for Human Use is applicable within a certain range. From the point of view of transport of human tissues and cells, the most important information in the guideline is the one stating that transport must comply with high quality and safety requirements which can only be ensured by specialized units certified by a national authority of the given state.
  • In the Czech Republic the situation is slightly different. In the year 2012 amendments to Act no. 296/2008 Sb. and consequently to Ordinance 422/2008 Sb. directly regulating the transport regulations were adopted. In this specific case the national authority of the European Union member state adopted stricter conditions for transport than the Union. Act no. 296/2008 Sb. obliges everyone wishing to transport/ import human tissues and cells for any further use on humans to register duly. This means that every entity which would like to transport these cells must apply for a licence with the State Institute for Drug Control. The task of this institute is to check whether the given entity follows all and every necessary requirements for the transport of these specific cells.
  • For the safety and quality assurance of reproductive cells it is not possible, however, to let patients transport their own cells themselves.

Legislation and CTshipper

We know and follow the legal requirements stipulated by the European Guidelines and local authorities of the shipping and receiving institution.

Company CTshipper operates according to the European tissue directives (2006/17/ES, 2004/23/ES) which the Czech Republic, for instance, adopted as Act No. 296/2008 Sb. and related Ordinance no. 422/2008 Sb. As a matter of course the company undertook to follow the Good Distribution Practice of Medicinal Products for Human Use (2013/C 68/01).

GDPR

Price List

Due to our effort to combine orders, we are able to offer you the best possible price.

Distribution within Czech Rebublic

These are guide prices and we attempt to reduce them by combining orders.

The price is 14 CZK/km + manipulation fee of CZK 1.800,- incl. VAT.

Distribution abroad

The prices are individual. In case of interest, please fulfill the contact form

Contact Form

If you are interested in preliminary calculation, please fill in the contact form below. It is a nonbinding request. One of our employees will contact you with details and price within 48 hours.

Sending facility

Receiving facility