URGENTPAK INSTRUCTIONS
PLEASE FOLLOW READ THE FOLLOWING COMPLETELY PRIOR TO PRODUCING AND SHIPPING YOUR SPECIMEN.
Requirements for banking semen specimens at New York Cryo
1. Completion of the following (enclosed with the UrgentPak but also available here) :a. Medical Questionnaire
b. Storage Agreement and Depositor certification
d. Patient authorization for credit card payment of required fees
2. Completion by your Physician of the Physician Referral and Certification Form
3. Following the instructions for producing and shipping your semen specimen precisely.
Please note: New York Cryo requires a completed Physician Referral and Certification Form together with recent results of blood testing for specific sexually transmitted disease prior to release of specimens. Specimens received without either will be stored at the rate for QUARANTINED SPECIMENS until the required form and blood tests results are received.
Each UrgentPak* kit contains
1) Sterile specimen collection cup
2) Transport media which the depositor will add to the container with the specimen to maintain the semen quality during transport.
3) Specimen Storage Agreement and Consent
4) Comprehensive collection and shipping instructions
5) Pre-paid, pre-addressed FedEx return shipping label and required
packaging for shipping the specimen to New York Cryo. Return by other
carriers is at patient expense.
*UrgentPak
it is the only transport kit developed to provide an
optimum method for maintaining the proper environment of your specimen
during transport. It complies with both National and International
regulations (IATA, ICAO and 49CFR) for shipping of Human Biologic
Specimens.
1. ON RECEIVING THE URGENTPAK
a. If you will not be collecting a specimen within twelve (12) hours of receiving the UrgentPak, please refrigerate transport media. It must be kept refrigerated until one hour prior to collection of your specimen. One hour prior to giving your specimen take the transport media out of the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature.
b. Complete all paperwork before collecting the specimen. If you have any questions, please call NYCryo at 877-7NY-Cryo (877-769-2796).
c. This kit is designed for one ejaculate specimen at a time. If you would like to store more than one specimen please ask for multiple kits, allowing 48-72 hours abstinence between collections.
2. SPECIMEN PRODUCTION
a. To obtain the best specimen for cryopreservation, it is best to have no less than 48 but no more than 72 hours of abstinence. This includes sexual intercourse and/or masturbation.
b. Specimens need to be shipped the same day as collection. Timing is very important. Please arrange a pick-up time that allows you to collect your specimen as close as possible to the time of shipment.
c. One hour before collection, bring the transport media to room temperature. Failure to do so could result in damage to your specimen.
d. Complete the specimen collection container in the UrgentPak. Make sure your name, the date of collection, time of collection, and length of abstinence period is clearly written and correct.
e. Masturbation is the most acceptable method of obtaining the specimen. Do not use any form of lubrication, as it will contaminate and perhaps damage the specimen.
f. Upon ejaculation, deposit your specimen directly into the sterile container provided. DO NOT wash the container beforehand; the inside of the container is sterile and ready for your specimen.
g. Slowly pour the transport media, which should be at room temperature, directly into the collection container with the semen specimen. This will protect your specimen during transport to New York Cryo.
h. Secure the top of the container tightly. Make sure the lid is completely secure and there are no visible leaks.
i. Gently mix the specimen and transport media by gently swirling the cup. DO NOT SHAKE.
j. This kit is designed for one ejaculate specimen at a time. If you would like to store more than one specimen please ask for multiple kits, allowing 48-72 hours abstinence between collections.
3. PREPARATION FOR SHIPPING
a. Place the sealed, labeled specimen container in the self-seal biohazard bag and seal it.
b. Place the bagged specimen container into the larger screw top plastic canister and close it. c. Place the canister containing the specimen into the Styrofoam box, with one ambient temperature maintenance pack on the bottom and the other ambient temperature maintenance pack on the top of the specimen and place the Styrofoam lid on top. These packs will maintain your specimen at appropriate temperatures will being transported.
d. Place all paperwork on top of the Styrofoam box lid and seal the cardboard shipper with the provided packing tape strip. Maintain the UrgentPak at room temperature once the specimen has been collected. Extremes in temperature, such as the refrigerator or freezer can damage your specimen.
e. Ship the specimen package by FedEx Priority Overnight between Monday and Thursday with the enclosed FedEx shipping label. Call New York Cryo (877-7NY-CRYO toll free) with the tracking number and time and date of pickup. New York Cryo can only accept specimens for further processing and storage on Tuesday through Friday. Please note: the depositor is responsible for coordinating the return of the specimen to New York Cryo by FedEx .
g. Call New York Cryo the day after shipping to ensure receipt and prompt processing of specimens.
h. Specimens need to be shipped the same day as collection. Timing is very important. Please collect your specimen as close as possible to the time of shipment.