Fresh Ship Q&A 

Q: What is Trans Ova Genetics’ Fresh Ship Program? 

A: As the application of IVF technology continues to grow, Trans Ova Genetics understands that in order to fully meet the needs of our clients, we need to bring this technology even closer to clients’ farms.  

Trans Ova Genetics’ Fresh Ship program is exactly as its name implies. The program allows fresh IVF embryos to be packaged in culture solution and placed into portable incubators. These portable incubators keep the embryos at the appropriate temperature, and they can then be shipped via Fed Ex, UPS, or courier to a client’s farm 

Q: Why Should Clients Use the Fresh Ship program? 

A: Trans Ova Genetics’ Fresh Ship program allows clients to utilize their own recipients for carrying embryos created by IVF technology. While this will require additional management by the client, the ability to utilize their own recipients can make the technology more cost effective. 

The Fresh Ship program allows clients to continue to work with their local embryo transfer provider for the synchronization of recipients and implantation of the embryos.  

The results with the Fresh Ship program have been excellent. With thousands of embryos shipped to date through the program, we can say with extreme confidence that there is no decrease in pregnancy rate on embryos that have been shipped. 

Q: How does the Trans Ova Genetics Fresh Ship program work? 

A:  1. Donor cows or heifers must be aspirated at a Trans Ova Genetics facility that offers IVF services. This includes Trans Ova Genetics’ Satellite Centers. Donors may be housed at our facilities or set up at home and hauled in for the procedure.  

2. Because oocytes are fertilized approximately twenty hours after they are collected from the donor, clients will need to target the recipients being in heat the morning after the donors are aspirated. Client service staff at Trans Ova Genetics can assist in scheduling the synchronization of recipients.  

3. At least one day prior to embryos being shipped, clients need to communicate the number of recipients they have available to Trans Ova Genetics staff. Plans can be discussed at that time for handling a situation where there are more embryos than recipients. Depending on availability, there may be the option to utilize Trans Ova Genetics’ recipients if there are excess embryos. 

4. On Day 6 after fertilization (one week after oocytes are collected) embryos will be evaluated by Trans Ova Genetics lab staff and viable embryos will be packaged for transportation in portable incubators. 

5. On Day 7 after fertilization (eight days after oocytes are collected) clients will receive the incubator with the fresh embryos inside. Their local practitioner can then unload and evaluate the embryos. IVF embryos are loaded, graded, and transferred just like a conventional embryo at this point. 

6. After transfers are completed, transfer sheets with an evaluation of embryo quality must be submitted by the practitioner doing the transfers. We require this data to monitor the process and improve our system.  

7. A call tag will be issued by Trans Ova Genetics to have the incubator picked up and returned to our lab.  

8. Standard rates for IVF procedures apply. Clients are charged a fee for incubator rental and shipping, as well as a packaging fee for matings that are shipped out. The arrangement and price of transfers are between the client and the practitioner who performs the transfers. 

It is recommended that practitioners receiving fresh IVF embryos take a short training course on handling these embryos prior to the first shipment. This training can take place at any of our locations that offer IVF services. 

Learn more about IVF and Trans Ova services on our resources page.

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