The dry shipper selection guide: The right model for every transport requirement

Transportation on ice - but not on ordinary ice

Transporting cryopreserved samples is an act of balance: the samples must be kept continuously at temperatures below -150°C, while at the same time there must be no free liquid nitrogen in the transport container - especially not during air transport. The solution is called Dry Shipper.

A dry shipper is a special cryogenic container whose porous inner body (absorbent) absorbs liquid nitrogen and holds it like a sponge. The nitrogen cannot flow freely or spill, but evaporates slowly, keeping the interior at cryogenic temperatures for days. This makes the Dry Shipper the only approved means of transportation for cryopreserved samples in passenger air transport.

But not all dry shippers are the same. Capacity, holding time, weight, dimensions and regulatory approval vary considerably depending on the model. In this article, we will help you select the right model for your specific transportation needs.

Selection criterion 1: Capacity

The capacity of a dry shipper is usually specified in the number of vials or straws it can hold. The range extends from small units for a few dozen vials to large models for several hundred samples.

The Consarctic® ASR+ series

The ASR+ models from Consarctic® cover a wide range of capacities - from compact models for the courier shipment of individual samples to large-volume models for the batch transportation of entire sample collections. The modular cryo set-up systems enable optimum use of space and systematic organization of the samples.

Selection criterion 2: Holding time

The holding time indicates how long the dry shipper keeps the temperature below the specified limit value after being fully charged with LN2 - typically below -150°C. This time varies between 3 and 21 days depending on the model size and insulation quality.

What you need to look out for

• Plan for a buffer: The specified holding time applies under optimum conditions. In practice, delays in transportation, customs clearance or unforeseen reloading can extend the actual holding time required. A safety buffer of at least 50% is recommended.
• Environmental temperature: In hot climates or in summer, the holding time may be shorter than under standardized laboratory conditions.

Selection criterion 3: Air transport approval

For transportation by air freight, dry shippers must meet specific requirements:

• IATA class: Dry shippers are classified as non-hazardous goods if no free liquid nitrogen is present. The so-called tilt test must prove that no liquid nitrogen escapes when tilted.
• UN certification: For certain contents (e.g. infectious substances of category A or B) additional packaging regulations according to UN 2814 or UN 3373 apply.

Selection criterion 4: Weight and handling

A fully loaded dry shipper can weigh a considerable amount. A lighter model with ergonomic carrying handles is advantageous for courier shipments. For transportation in your own vehicle, the weight is less important, but the dimensions must fit the available space.

Selection criterion 5: Charging mechanism

The charging (conditioning) of a dry shipper requires several hours, as the absorber must fully absorb the liquid nitrogen. The amount of LN2 required and the charging time vary depending on the model. Some models allow faster charging than others.

Practical tips for cryotransport

• Pre-validation: Validate the dry shipper with a simulated transport cycle (charging, loading, simulating transport, monitoring temperature) before the first productive use.
• Temperature logger: Always send a calibrated temperature logger that records the temperature during the entire transport.
• Documentation: Document all transportation steps: Loading time, loading, handover to courier, arrival, unloading.

Consarctic® Dry Shipper Consulting

The choice of the right dry shipper depends on numerous factors: Sample type, number of samples, transport distance, transport mode and regulatory requirements. Our experts will analyze your specific needs and recommend the optimal model from the ASR+ series.

If you need help choosing the right dry shipper, contact us for individual advice and a quote that exactly matches your transport profile.