Embryo transfer is a complex operation carried out to meet the needs of transnational surrogacy.Involves the safe transportation of embryos from the place of storage to the country where surrogacy is legalized. This article analyzes in detail the entire process of embryo transfer, including clinic docking, transport preparation, legal compliance, and every step of the transport operation, and delves into the impact of transfer on embryo quality. The safety and feasibility of international embryo transportation is demonstrated through a comprehensive description of technical safeguards, equipment selection, and medical support. In addition, the article outlines theSurrogacy process after embryo transfer to Kyrgyzstan, provides prospective parents with complete guidance from embryo acceptance to surrogate mother screening, transfer procedures to pregnancy management.
First , what is a transferred embryo?
As the name suggests, it is the transfer of embryos to another area, so why is embryo transfer needed? The vast majority of the reason is because of the need for surrogacy. For example, surrogacy is not legal in certain countries, and embryos must be transferred from countries where surrogacy is not legal toCountries where surrogacy is legalThe

Embryo transfer, the complex process of transporting embryos from one location to another, is a crucial aspect of assisted reproductive technology. Especially in the international field of assisted reproduction, it is not uncommon for prospective parents to need to transfer embryos to other countries or regions due to legal restrictions or medical needs. This process is not only related to the survival and safety of the embryos, but also directly affects the implementation of subsequent IVF or surrogacy programs. Unlike ordinary logistics, embryo transfer requires the escort of a professionally qualified bio-transportation company and strict compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Therefore, before initiating embryo transfer, prospective parents need to fully understand the key processes involved, the required documents and related requirements to ensure the smooth completion of the transportation.
Why is embryo transfer needed?
The demand for embryo transfer stems from the following scenarios:
Off-site medical needs: Prospective parents may need to transfer embryos to a higher level clinic or laboratory due to the lack of advanced assisted reproductive technology in their area.
Legal restrictionsAssisted Reproductive Technology (ART): In some countries or regions where assisted reproductive technology is prohibited, the prospective parents are required to transfer the embryos to a country where it is legal to carry out the relevant medical treatment.
Extension of the fertility program: Some families may wish to continue their reproductive program in a more convenient location in the future, which would require the transfer of existing embryos to the target area.
Development of embryo freezing technology
Embryo cryopreservation is the technological basis on which embryo transfer can be realized. Through advanced freezing technology, embryos can be preserved for long periods of time in liquid nitrogen at minus 196 degrees Celsius, a method that is well established worldwide. In recent years, the reliability of embryo freezing technology has been further demonstrated by the initiation of a surrogacy program after 20 years of freezing and the eventual success of obtaining a boy.
We have done the following national embryo transfers:Phnom Penh Embryo Transfer to USA, Phnom Penh Embryo Transfer to Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia Embryo Transfer to USA, Malaysia Embryo Transfer to Kyrgyzstan, Japan Embryo Transfer to USA, Japan Embryo Transfer to KyrgyzstanIn addition, it has accumulated extensive and mature experience in embryo transfer.
II. Process and detailed steps for embryo transportation
Embryo transportation is a complex process that involves the collaboration of many parties, and each step, from clinic docking to the implementation of the transport, needs to be handled with care. Below is a detailed procedure to help prospective parents understand more clearly the specifics of each step and its importance.
Phase I: Clinic Matching and Initial Preparation
1. Confirmation of release conditions for transferring clinics
Prior to embryo transport, the transferring clinic needs to confirm that the embryos are eligible for release. This includes:
- Information on the storage of the embryos (e.g., freezing method: vitrification freezing or slow freezing).
- Confirm that the patient has signed an authorization document allowing the clinic to release the embryos.
- Audit for compliance with transportation regulations and biological material transfer requirements.
2. Confirmation of acceptance criteria for receiving clinics
The recipient clinic will review the information about the embryos to ensure that they meet the requirements for acceptance:
- Developmental stages of embryos and quality report.
- Whether or not they have been screened for PGS (if required by the recipient).
- Compatibility of storage methods and temperature control during transportation with their equipment.
3. Collecting and organizing patient information
Patients are required to provide complete medical records and related documentation, including:
- Detailed report on embryo cryopreservation storage.
- Records of embryonic development and reports of laboratory operations.
- PGS screening results (if available).
- Authorization document (co-signed by the transferring and receiving clinics).
Phase II: Development and Preparation of Transportation Programs
1. Contacting transportation companies
Transportation companies are usually chosen by the patient or recommended by an agency. Below are the key steps for contacting a transportation company:
- Provides addresses and contact information for both clinics and details of the embryos.
- Confirm the type of transportation equipment, such as dry shippers.
- Develop transportation plans, including scheduling, routing and logistics monitoring programs.

2. Getting a transportation quote
Transportation companies provide detailed quotes based on the following factors:
- The number of embryos and how they are stored.
- Routes and transportation distances (cross-country transportation is more expensive).
- Whether additional insurance or special handling services are required.
3. Ensuring legal compliance
Different countries have different legal requirements for embryo transportation, and the transportation company will need to assist with the following compliance matters:
- Check the transportation regulations for biological materials in the country of destination.
- Provide the necessary customs clearance documents and transportation permits.
Phase III: Specific operations during transportation
1. Use professional equipment to ensure safety
Embryo transportation requires the use of specially designed dry shippers, the advantages of which include:
- A constant low temperature of -150°C to -190°C is maintained internally.
- The liquid nitrogen locking device ensures that there are no temperature fluctuations during transportation.
- The equipment has the ability to maintain temperature for at least 7 to 14 days, which is sufficient for long distance transportation.
2. Temperature and logistics monitoring
The transportation company will track the status of the embryos through a real-time monitoring system, including:
- Temperature changes during transportation.
- The arrival time of the logistics node and whether there are any delays.
- Emergency response (e.g., spare equipment deployment) in special situations.

Phase IV: Receiving and inspection
1. Acceptance process at the recipient's clinic
Upon arrival at the recipient's clinic, the embryos are subjected to the following examinations by specialized personnel:
- Check temperature records of transportation equipment to ensure that the transportation process meets requirements.
- Check embryo storage to make sure there are no outside influences.
- Register and save the embryos to a liquid nitrogen tank in the recipient's laboratory.
2. Medical program adjustments
Upon completion of acceptance, the recipient clinic will adjust or develop a new treatment plan based on the actual status of the embryos and the patient's medical needs, including:
- Timing of embryo transfer.
- Whether additional embryo culture steps are required.
Phase V: Follow-up support and guarantees
1. Organization and filing of documents
Upon completion of transport, the patient is required to organize and properly store all relevant paperwork, including:
- Reports from transportation companies (including temperature records and monitoring data).
- Receipts or supporting documentation from the transferring and receiving clinics.
2. Emergency support
If any problems are found during or after transportation, the transportation company and the clinic need to provide timely support, such as:
- Check embryo storage status and remedy.
- Re-arrange transportation or additional medical consultations.
Third, will the transfer affect the quality of the embryos?
Especially some older self-egg embryos are very precious, some clients may do many cycles before leaving these embryos, so they will be very nervous and worried that the embryo transfer will affect the quality of the embryos. In case it is so difficult, after the embryos are transported to Kyrgyzstan, Georgia or the United States, the embryos are not usable, won't it be a big loss?
Don't really worry too much, international embryo transportation is currently quite safe from a technical and process standpoint. In Russian-speaking regions, such as Russia to Kyrgyzstan or the U.S., doctors are not concerned about this, and the distance is not an issue, whether it's from the east coast of the U.S. to the west coast, or from the west coast to the east coast. However, in international shipping, since medical technology may not be as advanced in some regions, clients may be concerned about whether this will affect the quality of the embryos. As long as the transportation company is professional, there will be no problem. At present, we have accumulated 10 years of rich experience in embryo transportation, and we have found an embryo transportation company that has international embryo transportation certificates and has carried out accreditation.

Embryo cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen at -196°CThe product has been preserved for a long time, however, dry shippers are used during transportation.
The dry shipper is composed of an aluminum Dewar's bottle with an inner chamber surrounded by a high-surface, low-density material that holds the liquid nitrogen in place by absorption, and a hole in the bottle for holding biological material.
And only IATA-approved dry shippers are used, along with the most standard dry-shipper tanks.
Research reports have found that changes in temperature during transportation can affect the clinical pregnancy rate of embryos. Therefore dry shippers are safe by ensuring that the temperature is maintained at the desired level in addition to guaranteeing a minimum of 7-14 days of timeliness.
Don't worry about the effects of the shipping process because thisDry shippers can be kept at temperatures from -150 degrees Celsius to -190 degrees Celsius for 7-14 days, such an environment would be sufficient to transport an egg or embryo.
We have met customers who have shipped embryos from the United States, Japan, Georgia and other countries to Kyrgyzstan and Russia. Embryos have also been shipped to Kyrgyzstan or the United States from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan. There are various reasons for this, for example, in some regions, the surrogacy process may be very long, with a long wait, or very costly. In such cases, clients may choose to have their embryos transported. As long as a professional company is chosen and the clinic has experience in transportation, then the process is feasible. This can speed up the entire pregnancy process and we highly recommend this practice.
Fourth, what are the clinic's specific requirements for foreign embryos?
The doctor needs to know the quality of the embryo, what stage of development it has reached, whether it has passed the PGS screening and so on. Different laboratories have different standards, and there is a need to have a detailed interface with the laboratory. We recommend that prospective parents have complete medical records so that the receiving clinic, doctor, and laboratory in the U.S. have a better understanding of the embryo's condition in order to make the most appropriate medical treatment plan.
Clinic's Basic Requirements for Foreign Embryos
The procedure for embryo transport is similar to sperm transport and involvesSenders, transportation service providers and recipientsthree main players. However, there is a key difference: some of the recipients, theCertain clinics, may refuse to accept foreign embryos. This is mainly because they are concerned that it will affect the success rate of the treatment. In the U.S., clinics are regulated by the FDA, so success rates become an important consideration.
When a physician receives embryos from other physicians, other clinics, or even other countries, these embryos may not be well protected, and their exact condition may not be known. If the transfer is unsuccessful, attribution of responsibility becomes complicated and may be due to operational error or factors beyond the physician's control. To avoid this, we only work with partner clinics that are willing to accept transferred embryos. But even then, acceptance of the embryos is conditional on theDoctors need to know about the quality of the embryos, the egg retrieval, the fertilization process, and want the entire process and medical records to be completein order to fully analyze the embryos.

In some countries, genetic screening (PGS) of embryos is available, while in other countries this service may not be available. If PGS has been performed, the quality of the embryos is usually higher and the doctor is more confident. If PGS has not been performed, genetic testing of the transferred embryos may be required. We have numerous successful embryo transfer cases, but the success of these cases depends greatly on the client's specific situation. Only after the doctor fully understands the condition of the embryos and agrees to receive them can we arrange for a professional transporter to transfer the embryos.
There are a few points that doctors are usually more concerned about:
1. Embryo quality
Recipient clinics need to know the quality of the embryos, which is an important basis for assessing their transfer success. This includes key indicators such as whether the embryo has reached the desired stage of development and morphology scores.
2. Developmental stages
The stage of development that the embryo is at is what the clinic focuses on. For example, whether the embryo has developed to the blastocyst stage (Day 5 or Day 6), which is closely related to the transfer success of the embryo.
3. Whether or not they have been screened for PGS
PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening) can help clinics determine if an embryo has a chromosomal abnormality. While PGS is not necessary in all cases, the results of the screening can provide the doctor with additional medical information.
Why do you need communication between labs?
Different laboratories may have different codes of practice, standards and equipment, so before embryo transfer, prospective parents need to make sure that the original laboratory and the receiver's laboratory are mapped out in detail so that subsequent operations can be completed smoothly.
What does docking involve?
- Embryo freezing method (vitrification freezing or slow freezing)
- Embryo preservation conditions and transportation details
- Are there any special medical records that need to be supplemented
Information to be prepared by prospective parents
1. Complete medical records
Prospective parents are required to provide all medical information related to the embryo, including lab reports, PGS screening results (if available), and embryo developmental records. This information can help the receiving clinic to get an accurate picture of the embryo.
2. Documents authorizing embryo transfer
According to the laws of each country, the transfer of embryos usually requires an authorization document to be signed by the prospective parents. This is an important step in ensuring the legal transfer of embryos.
V. Embryo transfer costs
With regard to the cost of transporting embryos, if the distance is short, for example from Russia to Kyrgyzstan, and the cost of transportation can be shared with other customers, the cost may be in the early $2,000 range; if the distance between the starting point and the end point is longer, the cost may be in the $3,000 to $5,000 range. For long-distance transportation across continents, such as from Europe or the United States to Kyrgyzstan, costs can exceed $7,000.
VI. Procedure for surrogacy operations after embryo transfer to Kyrgyzstan
Stage 1: Embryo reception and storage
1. Embryo acceptance
After the transportation company arrives at the clinic in Kyrgyzstan with the embryos, the professionals perform a detailed inspection, including:
- Check that temperature records remain constant during transportation.
- Confirm that the embryos are in perfect condition for transportation.
- Verify that the embryo information is consistent with the patient's medical record.
2. Embryo storage
Once acceptance is complete, the embryos will be stored in the clinic's liquid nitrogen tanks and continue to remain frozen until ready for transfer.

Stage 2: Preparation of surrogate mothers
1. Screening of surrogate mothers
Legal surrogacy agencies in Kyrgyzstan usually provide screening services for surrogate mothers, which include the following criteria:
- Good health with no major illnesses or adverse pregnancy history.
- Ages generally range from 21 to 35.
- Already have at least one healthy child with good parenting experience.
2. Physical and psychological evaluation of surrogate mothers
The surrogate mother is required to go through a detailed medical examination and psychological evaluation to ensure that she is physically and psychologically fit for surrogacy. These examinations usually include:
- Examination of the reproductive and endocrine systems.
- Blood and infectious disease screening.
- Mental health assessment to ensure that the surrogate mother has a good understanding and is psychologically prepared for the entire process.
3. Endometrial conditioning
Prior to embryo transfer, the surrogate mother is required to undergo endometrial conditioning to ensure that the thickness and condition of the uterine lining is suitable for embryo implantation. This process usually includes the use of hormonal medications such as estrogen and progesterone.
Stage 3: Embryo transfer
1. Embryo thawing
Prior to embryo transfer, frozen embryos are subjected to a thawing operation in a specialized laboratory. The laboratory will strictly control the thawing environment to ensure that the viability of the embryos is not compromised.

2. Embryo transfer surgery
The thawed embryos will be transferred in the surrogate mother's uterus through a minimally invasive surgical procedure. This procedure is usually performed under ultrasound guidance and is short and painless.
3. Post-transplantation observation
After the embryo transfer is completed, the surrogate mother will be observed at the clinic for several hours to ensure that there are no abnormal reactions. The surrogate mother will then undergo several blood tests to monitor HCG levels and confirm the pregnancy.
Stage 4: Pregnancy management
1. Regular maternity checkups
Surrogate mothers are required to undergo regular maternity checkups as recommended by their doctors to ensure a successful pregnancy. Maternity checkups usually include:
- Ultrasound to monitor fetal development.
- Blood and urine tests to assess the health of the surrogate mother.
- Fetal heart rate monitoring to ensure the health status of the fetus in the womb.
2. Nutrition and health management
During pregnancy, surrogate mothers are required to undergo specialized nutritional and health management to ensure proper fetal development. This includes:
- Adjust your diet according to your doctor's recommendations to get the vitamins and minerals you need during pregnancy.
- Exercise and rest regularly to maintain good physical and mental health.
3. Legal and psychological support
Surrogacy agencies often provide psychological support and legal assistance to surrogate mothers and intended parents to ensure smooth communication and cooperation during the pregnancy.
Stage 5: Delivery and handover
1. Arrangements for childbirth
Labor and delivery is usually handled by a partner clinic or hospital, with a labor and delivery plan developed in advance, including:
- Choosing the mode of delivery (normal labor or cesarean section) to ensure the safety of the surrogate mother and baby.
- Whether or not the parents-to-be can participate in the process of their baby's birth.
2. Health check-ups for babies
After birth, your baby will need a comprehensive health checkup, including a physical examination, blood tests and newborn screening.
3. Processing of legal documents
After the delivery, the following procedures are completed in accordance with Kyrgyz law:
- (c) The processing of birth certificates and the registration of prospective parents as legal guardians.
- Processing of the baby's passport or other exit documents according to the nationality of the parents-to-be.
Summary:
International embryo transfer is an important extension of modern assisted reproduction techniques, providing more options for families who are unable to complete surrogacy in their home country. With proper planning and a professional team, embryo transfer has a high success rate with minimal impact on the quality of the embryos. Kyrgyzstan, as one of the countries where surrogacy is legal, has a well-established legal support and healthcare system that provides excellent services to inter-country surrogacy families. The process from embryo transportation to the completion of the surrogacy is complicated, but as long as you choose a professional organization and make adequate preparations, the prospective parents will be able to successfully welcome the new life into the world.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the process of embryo transfer complicated?
Yes, embryo transfer involves a number of steps such as clinic docking, legal compliance, choice of transport equipment and logistics monitoring, each of which requires highly specialized operations.
Does transfer affect embryo quality?
The quality of the embryos will not be compromised as long as specialized equipment is used and operated by a qualified transport company. Current technology ensures stable temperatures during transportation, guaranteeing the safety of the embryos.
How much does embryo transfer cost?
Costs vary from a few thousand dollars to over $7,000 depending on the distance to be traveled and the service required. Transcontinental transportation is usually more expensive.
Which countries can receive transferred embryos?
The recipient country needs to have surrogacy legal and have clinics that accept embryos for transfer, such as Kyrgyzstan, the United States and Georgia.
What is the surrogacy process in Kyrgyzstan?
This includes embryo reception and storage, screening and medical examination of the surrogate mother, embryo transfer surgery, pregnancy management and legal procedures after delivery.
What documents are required for embryo transfer?
Includes embryo medical records, PGS screening results (if available), authorization documents, and legal and customs clearance documents that meet shipping requirements.
How do I ensure legal compliance for transportation?
A professional transportation company will assist in completing the destination country's regulations and permitting documents for the transportation of biological materials to ensure that the process is legal.
How do I choose a surrogate mother?
Surrogate mothers are required to pass health screenings and psychological evaluations and meet requirements such as age and childcare experience to ensure a safe and successful pregnancy.
How do I confirm a successful pregnancy after embryo transfer?
Surrogate mothers are required to have regular blood tests to monitor HCG levels, confirm pregnancy and undergo labor and delivery tests after the transplant.