Loading a Vapor Shipper

Once you have charged your vapor shipper properly, loading the shipper with the frozen semen should be fast and simple. On average you have less than 10 seconds of exposing the frozen semen to room temperature before the sample starts to thaw. A general rule of 5-8 seconds maximum at room temperature will prevent premature thawing. Repeated chilling and thawing is detrimental to any cryopreserved sample. Prepare containers side by side prior to transferring frozen semen to minimize the chances of inadvertently thawing the semen. This chapter discusses the step by step procedure for loading the vapor shipper, and preparing a goblet or cane for loading when only sending a partial goblet. It also discusses the necessary conditions to be followed while loading the vapor shipper. The chapter lists the equipment and supplies needed for loading the vapor shipper.