Cryo-logistics plays a crucial role in various industries, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and research. The preservation and transportation of temperature-sensitive materials, such as biomaterials, tissue samples, vaccines, and certain medications, at cryogenic temperatures are critical for maintaining their viability and ensuring accurate results in research and medical applications.
Temperature Control: Our cryo-logistics services involve the use of specialized containers and vehicles that can maintain extremely low temperatures (down to -196 °C) using liquid nitrogen. This ensures that sensitive materials are transported without compromising their quality or integrity.
Temperature Monitoring: We log the temperature throughout the transportation process, so any fluctuation is recorded and can be addressed. This ensures the safe and effective delivery of temperature-sensitive materials.
Expertise: Our team of professionals has extensive experience and knowledge in handling cryogenic materials, adhering to strict safety protocols and regulatory requirements during transportation.
Customized Solutions: We understand that every client's needs are unique, and we provide customized cryo-logistics solutions to meet their specific requirements.
24/7 Availability: We understand the urgency and time-sensitive nature of cryogenic shipments. As a result, we offer round-the-clock services, accepting orders at any time of the day or night, and operate even during holidays.
Cryo-logistics is an essential aspect of maintaining the quality and effectiveness of temperature-sensitive materials, and Biocard is committed to providing reliable, secure, and efficient solutions for clients in various industries. Our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction has earned us the trust of leading pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and research institutions worldwide.
Dry ice or liquid nitrogen: which mode for which cargo
Our main cryogenic mode is dry ice at −70 °C. Liquid nitrogen at −196 °C in Dewar vessels is a rare, specialised service that we arrange on request for a specific shipment.
| Mode | Temperature | What we ship |
|---|---|---|
| Dry ice | −70 °C | Temperature-sensitive vaccines and mRNA products, diagnostic reagents, frozen biosamples, plasma and sera for research. Dry ice leaves no liquid, so the cargo stays dry all the way. |
| Liquid nitrogen in a Dewar vessel, on request | −196 °C | Cell cultures, IVF embryos and reproductive material, bone marrow and stem cells, DNA samples and biobank collections, clinical trial materials. |
| Frozen | −20 °C | SafePack containers with cold packs or dry ice for plasma and frozen products. |
How we ship cryogenic cargo
- We choose the mode and packaging. Dry ice at −70 °C or liquid nitrogen at −196 °C, a SafePack container of the right size or a Dewar vessel, and enough refrigerant for the whole route.
- We load by protocol. Dry ice is packed with an allowance for sublimation on the way. A Dewar vessel travels upright only and is secured with cushioning. A SmartSensor logger goes into the shipment.
- We record the whole route. SmartSensor logs temperature, humidity, shocks and light — light shows whether the package was opened. The data is read by receivers in our vehicles and warehouses. The cargo compartment is ventilated, because evaporating nitrogen displaces oxygen.
- We deliver and report. Our own fleet delivers to the clinic, laboratory or tissue bank, and you receive a PDF report for the whole route.
Rules for Dewar vessels
- Upright only — to prevent leaks and contact of liquid nitrogen with non-insulated parts.
- Cushioned — vessels do not touch each other or the vehicle walls; cushioning absorbs vibration and shocks.
- Vented stopper, never airtight — evaporating nitrogen builds up pressure, and an airtight stopper can rupture the vessel.
- Weight and quantity limits — for liquid nitrogen as an inert gas: up to 300 kg in total and no more than 10 vessels per trip.
- Ventilation — the cargo compartment is always ventilated.
Questions and answers
What temperature does dry ice shipping keep?
We sign the transport mode as −70 °C. Dry ice itself sublimates at about −78.5 °C, and as it sublimates the temperature in the box slowly rises, so we calculate enough dry ice for the whole route.
Do you ship in liquid nitrogen?
Yes, on request: in Dewar vessels at −196 °C, for cell cultures, IVF material, bone marrow and stem cells, DNA samples and clinical trial materials. It is a specialised service arranged for a specific shipment.
Is dry ice a dangerous good in air transport?
Yes. In air transport dry ice is dangerous goods UN 1845, because it releases carbon dioxide. We calculate the quantity, prepare the paperwork and load it by the rules.
Can you handle international cryogenic shipments?
Yes. BIOCARD has worked in clinical trial logistics since 2007 and has had its own customs broker since 2013 for international shipments.
How we work
SERVICE IN DETAILS
Our cryo-logistics services encompass a broad range of solutions tailored to the unique requirements of our clients. We take pride in our ability to provide customized, end-to-end logistics support for the transportation of temperature-sensitive materials. Here, we highlight the key aspects of our service offerings:
- Customized Route Planning: We develop optimal transportation routes based on factors such as distance, transit time, and temperature requirements to ensure timely and efficient delivery of cryogenic materials.
- Advanced Monitoring Systems: Our monitoring systems record temperature and humidity throughout the transportation process, and our clients stay informed about the status of their shipment.
- Temperature-Controlled Packaging: Our specialized packaging solutions are designed to maintain the required temperature range throughout the entire transportation process, safeguarding the integrity of the cryogenic materials.
- Compliance with Regulations: We adhere to all relevant international and local regulations governing the transportation of cryogenic materials, ensuring that our clients' shipments are fully compliant.
- Trained Personnel: Our team of experts is highly trained in handling and transporting temperature-sensitive materials. They possess the necessary knowledge and skills to manage the unique challenges associated with cryo-logistics.
- Proactive Risk Management: We continuously assess and mitigate potential risks during the transportation process, ensuring that cryogenic materials are transported safely and securely.
- Transparent Communication: We maintain open lines of communication with our clients, providing regular updates and addressing any concerns that may arise during the transportation process.
By offering a comprehensive range of services in cryo-logistics, BIOCARD is able to meet the diverse needs of our clients, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of temperature-sensitive materials crucial to medical treatments, research, and other applications.
- Warehousing: We offer secure and temperature-controlled warehousing facilities, equipped with advanced monitoring systems to ensure that cryogenic materials are stored under the appropriate conditions.
- Pre-shipment Preparation: Our team of experts can assist with the proper packaging and labeling of cryogenic materials in compliance with regulatory guidelines, ensuring their safe and efficient transportation.
- Documentation and Compliance: We help clients navigate the complex regulatory landscape by assisting with the necessary documentation and ensuring compliance with international and local regulations related to the transportation of cryogenic materials.
- Insurance: Understanding the value and importance of the materials we handle, BIOCARD provides insurance coverage for cryogenic shipments, offering peace of mind to our clients.
- Dedicated Support: Our customer support team is available to address any queries or concerns, providing personalized assistance throughout the transportation process.
- End-to-end Management: Biocard manages the entire cryo-logistics process from pick-up to delivery, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for our clients.
- Emergency Response: In the unlikely event of an issue during transportation, our team is trained and prepared to manage emergency situations, minimizing any potential risks or delays.
Biocard's comprehensive cryo-logistics services cater to the diverse needs of clients in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and research industries. Our commitment to quality, safety, and efficiency has made us a trusted partner for the transportation of temperature-sensitive materials, ensuring the preservation of their vital properties and contributing to the success of medical treatments and scientific discoveries worldwide.
We have a range of benefits of working with us
Why choose
Biocard
Flexible prices for customs clearance
Supply chain efficiency growth
Significant improvement of the quality of the logistics
You can track your shipments in your personal account
You cooperate with the one-stop services provider
Guarantees fulfilled by contractual obligations