CCRM + TMRW

CCRM Fertility is partnering with TMRW Life Sciences (TMRW) to provide patients with long-term egg and embryo storage at one of the world’s most advanced fertility cryostorage facilities. TMRW’s state-of-the-art biorepositories are located in New York, NY and Boulder, CO and deliver the highest standards are care in offsite storage available in the U.S.

WHAT IS TMRW?

TMRW is a fertility technology company that safeguards frozen eggs and embryos. TMRW created the world’s first and only automated platform for the safe management and storage of frozen eggs and embryos. TMRW delivers peace of mind with next-generation technology that helps reduce the risk of specimen errors, mix-up, and loss.

FAQ

WHAT IS CRYOSTORAGE?

Storage of “frozen” specimens at very low temperatures using cryogenics.

WHY ARE YOU SENDING MY SPECIMEN(S) TO TMRW’S LONG-TERM STORAGE FACILITY?

To meet the growing needs of our patients and continue to store your specimen safely and securely, we are upgrading our long-term storage systems with the latest technology in cryostorage available from TMRW.

WHO IS IMPACTED BY THIS TRANSITION?

All patients with eggs and embryos in storage for more than two years or who are not in an active cycle at our clinic may have their specimens safely stored with our long-term cryostorage provider.

IS IT SAFE TO MOVE MY EGGS AND EMBRYOS?

Yes, the process of transporting frozen specimens between our clinical site and storage facilities is a standard practice in the fertility industry. All handling and transport are carried out by trained personnel who adhere to the highest industry standards.

WHERE IS TMRW’S LONG TERM CRYOSTORAGE FACILITY LOCATED?

The TMRW Biorepositories are located in New York, NY and Boulder, CO.

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE LONG-TERM CRYOSTORAGE POWERED BY TMRW?

TMRW’s automated storage systems set a new standard of care for the secure identification, tracking, monitoring, and safekeeping of specimens. TMRW uses digital labels with RFID tags and advanced technology to track, store, and manage your frozen specimens.

What is the TMRW automated storage platform?

TMRW created the world’s first and only integrated and automated platform for the safe storage and management of frozen eggs and embryos. TMRW’s platform provides:

• Digital identification labels using barcodes and RFID technology
• Digital logs and tracking systems with triple redundancy and an unbreakable chain of custody within the platform
• Storage tanks that are automatically checked and refilled with liquid nitrogen
• 24/7 monitoring using real time data analytics and systems that notify the TMRW support team of any changes

How are my eggs and embryos prepared and transported to an off-site location?

CCRM works closely with TMRW to prepare and transfer your cryopreserved eggs and embryos. At CCRM, your specimens, with their original labels, will be placed into a new TMRW container (called a CryoBeacon) with digital identification (RFID) assigned only to you. These containers will be packaged into liquid nitrogen-cooled transport tanks and transferred to the long-term storage biorepository powered by TMRW. Upon arrival, the CryoBeacons will have their RFID tags scanned and then will be placed into the TMRW storage system.

Will my eggs and embryos be thawed during the transfer process?

No, all specimens are transferred in cryogenic tanks specifically designed to keep them frozen in transit. TMRW uses temperature monitoring to ensure that samples remain at safe cryogenic temperatures throughout the transfer process.

DO I NEED TO PAY FOR SHIPPING?

CCRM and TMRW do not charge patients any transportation costs for your specimens to and from the long-term storage facility.

WILL I HAVE TO PAY EXTRA FOR STORAGE AT THIS FACILITY?

The cost and manner that you receive CCRM cryostorage bills will not change.

How is the storage facility staffed?

The TMRW cryobank is staffed by cryobanking experts, embryologists, and fertility specialists with extensive training in handling frozen eggs and embryos.

What happens when my specimens arrive at the long-term cryostorage facility?

Once the CryoBeacon with your specimen(s) (and your unique digital ID) is received by the team, it is scanned and checked into the cryobank and checked into the TMRW system for storage.

This activity is digitally recorded and attached to each specimen’s record – ensuring visibility, traceability, and accountability for your specimens. CCRM has the ability to view all CCRM patient’s specimens in TMRW’s cryobank through an electronic medical record system.

WHO HAS ACCESS TO TMRW’S LONG-TERM CRYOSTORAGE FACILITY?

Only authorized TMRW personnel are allowed inside the secured facilities to maintain specimen safety.

Will my specimens be stored with other patients’ specimens?

Your specimens are in a CryoBeacon that is unique to you and no other patient’s specimens will be in your container(s). These containers are stored in a large storage tank that holds multiple CryoBeacons that hold other patients’ specimens, which is standard industry practice.

How will CCRM know if my specimen is stored on- or off-site?

Both CCRM’s electronic medical record system and TMRW’s software will reflect the real-time location of the inventory of all cryopreserved specimens stored at the offsite cryobank. The storage location will also be reflected on any other inventory system of record maintained by our laboratory staff.

What happens if I need my fertility specimens for IVF treatment?

CCRM will electronically request that the specimens be transported back to the clinic in time for your procedure. TMRW and CCRM will coordinate everything on your behalf. There is no charge for shipping your specimens back.

What if I want to ship my samples to another facility at a future date?

CCRM and TMRW will work together to prepare the necessary documentation for your receiving clinic and will work with the transport company of your choice to facilitate the transport.

WHO DO I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?

Patients can reach out to our team via the email address that was in the letter and email sent to you or by contacting your clinic.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT TMRW?

Find out more about our partner, TMRW Life Sciences (TMRW) here on their website.