Introduction

To assist in the transfer of your cryopreserved specimens, Park Avenue Fertility (PAF) can furnish you with a liquid nitrogen shipping tank designed to transport frozen biological specimens at the extremely low temperatures necessary to maintain their cellular integrity.  

Can I transport the specimens myself?

PAF strongly advises that the delivery of your cryopreserved specimens and the return of the tank be performed by PAF's courier or other commercial courier, in that the tank is filled with liquid nitrogen (LN 2), an extremely cold liquid (-320º F).   However, if you prefer, you may personally transport your specimens providing that you are willing to take full responsibility for the delivery.   You also have the option to personally transport the shipping tank one way, and have a courier transport the tank the other way.

How do I go about renting a Liquid Nitrogen Tank?

The following outlines the process for renting a liquid nitrogen shipping tank from PAF:

1. Read and fill-out, as applicable, PAF Tank Rental Information , PAF Tank Rental Registration, and PAF Tank Rental Agreement . Return the Registration and Agreement to PAF by mail or fax. Please be sure to make copies of these documents for your records.

2. You may coordinate the tank rental with PAF in person or by phone. PAF requires at least two (2) business days' notice (by 3 P.M.) prior to the rental of a tank. Please be sure to take care of any paperwork or charges that each facility (transferring and receiving) may require before the tank leaves or is picked-up from PAF's premises.

3. Transfer by Courier
PAF or another commercial courier (to be determined by location) will deliver the tank to the facility transferring your specimens (Transferring Facility). Once your specimens are placed into PAF's Shipping Tank by the Transferring Facility, PAF or another commercial courier (to be determined by location) will deliver the specimens to their ultimate destination (Receiving Facility).

After your specimens are placed into storage by the Receiving Facility, the liquid nitrogen shipping tank must be returned to PAF. If PAF will be picking up the tank from the Receiving Facility, the Receiving Facility must call us as soon as the specimen transfer is complete. If another courier service will be returning the tank, PAF will provide the necessary paperwork.

4. Personal Transfers
The LN 2 shipping tank carrying your cryopreserved specimens contains liquid nitrogen, which is extremely cold. Skin contact with liquid nitrogen may cause serious frostbite, as it can freeze human flesh almost instantaneously. As such, you must be sure to handle the tank carefully.   The tank must be kept secured in an upright position and closed at all times while in your possession. If the tank accidentally tips over, you must right it as soon as possible taking care not to touch any of the liquid which may be expelled. (Any liquid that spills out of the tank will quickly turn into an invisible gas - the cloudy vapor that you see is condensed moisture - momentary contact with the vapors will not be harmful.)   If liquid nitrogen does escape from the tank, the tank will still remain cold, for it's designed to maintain low temperatures without the excess nitrogen which may have spilled out.

PAF recommends that if logistics permit, the pick-up of the shipping tank from PAF and the transfer of your specimens to the Receiving Facility be performed all within the same day. After your specimens are placed into storage by the Receiving Facility, the liquid nitrogen shipping tank must be returned to PAF.

Please telephone PAF if you have any questions in regard to PAF’s Liquid Nitrogen Tank Rental Program.

What are the fees for tank rental?

All fees are payable in full on the date of service.

Tank Rental Fee $150.00
Up to 3 Business Days Tank must be returned no later than 4PM on 3rd business day

Transport Fees
Personal Transport	Packing Fee: $45
Courier Transport	Varies w/ location - Call for details

Additional fees
Additional Daily Rental Fee	$50.00/day
Damage to Shipping Tank	$500.00
Damage to Outer Casing	$200.00
Loss of Tank	$700.00