Long-Term Storage FAQs
The University Hospitals Fertility Center will no longer be providing on-site, long-term cryostorage of frozen eggs, sperm and embryos. We want to emphasize that the Fertility Center will continue to provide a full range of clinical fertility services including IVF on site; it is only the long-term cryostorage service that is being discontinued. This practice is a well-established model for fertility centers across the nation and consistent with industry trends.
To facilitate this transition, the Fertility Center has engaged ReproTech, LLC, a long-term fertility storage service provider, to assist us in patient outreach and implementation of a streamlined process for transferring our patients’ eggs, embryos and sperm to one of their facilities over the course of 2024.
- Will I still be working with University Hospitals when I am ready to use my oocytes/embryos/sperm?
-
Yes. We appreciate you entrusting us with your care, and you are a valued patient of the UH Fertility Center. We will continue to provide you with a full range of clinical fertility services on-site.
- Is this process of offsite storage new to University Hospitals?
-
Offsite storage is not new to UH, although the move to long-term complete offsite storage is new; UH Fertility Center has frequently engaged in transport of specimens to and from external facilities previously in specific clinical situations.
- Where is ReproTech located? How long have they been in business?
-
The ReproTech storage facility we will be using is located in Connecticut and they have been a leader in IVF tissue storage for over 30 years. To learn more about ReproTech and/or arrange for shipment of your specimen to ReproTech, please visit https://www.reprotech.com/uhoptions/.
- What if I would like to use a storage facility other than ReproTech to store my tissue?
-
You may use any third-party storage facility that you would like. UH has an established business relationship with ReproTech and is familiar with their processes and procedures. Due to our established relationship with ReproTech, the shipping of your tissue will be free of charge as a part of regularly scheduled shipments between UH and ReproTech. If you choose to use a facility other than ReproTech, you may reach out to the outside storage facility of your choice and create an account with them. Once you create the account with the outside facility, you can complete an “Authorization to Transport Specimen to Another Facility” and return it to the University Hospitals Fertility Center for processing. You will be responsible for the costs of shipment of tissue back and forth as needed.
- Will my tissue be sent by itself or with other patients?
-
We have regularly scheduled shipments to and from ReproTech. You can choose to send your tissues in one shipper or in 2 separate shipments, which you can note in your paperwork. There may be multiple patients’ samples included in each shipment however, the samples are stored in separate canes. Each patient specimen is securely labeled with your unique identifiers (i.e., full name, medical record number, date of birth, freeze date, embryo ID number). This secure label is maintained until it is time to thaw your tissue.
- What happens when I am ready to use my frozen tissue?
-
We can have your frozen tissue returned to UH from ReproTech when needed for any clinical service. Our team will coordinate this shipment to align with the plan outlined by your clinical team.
- Is there a cost difference if I want to ship my embryos in 1 vs. 2 tanks to ReproTech?
-
There is no difference in the cost. If specimens are split into two tanks, patients will be notified of two separate arrival dates.
- Is insurance for the shipment available?
-
Yes, ReproTech offers optional insurance. You will see information about this option when you complete ReproTech’s consents. Patients are responsible for this optional, additional charge.
- What if I no longer want to use my frozen tissue?
-
You may access and complete a Discard Authorization Form and email it to IVFLab.Administration@UHhospitals.org or mail it to the address below:
University Hospitals Fertility Center
1000 Auburn Dr. Suite 310
Beachwood, OH 44122 - Where can I go to find additional information on ReproTech and this process?
-
Please visit https://www.reprotech.com/uhoptions/ for more information.