Cold Chain Maintenance for Gonadotropins: Staff Training at ASCAS Fertility & Women's Center
At ASCAS Fertility & Women's Center in Chennai, successful fertility treatment begins long before an injection reaches the patient — it begins with how that injection is stored and handled. That is why our team recently completed an in-house cold chain maintenance class, led by our senior pharmacist, to educate all our staff on the safe handling of gonadotropin injections used in IVF, ICSI and IUI.
Why cold chain matters in fertility care
Gonadotropins are delicate, protein-based hormones, and even a small rise in temperature can reduce their potency. A weakened injection can mean a poor ovarian response, a cancelled cycle, and avoidable stress for our patients. Maintaining an unbroken cold chain — from the manufacturer, through our clinic, and right up to the patient's refrigerator at home — is therefore central to the quality of care we promise every family.
How we store injections at ASCAS
At our clinic, all gonadotropin injections are stored in an ILR (Ice-Lined Refrigerator) at a strict 2°C to 8°C. Our staff monitor the temperature daily, keep the medicines on the middle trays, and never place them in the freezer.
What our staff learned about each medication
Our senior pharmacist focused the session on the three gonadotropin preparations we use:
HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin) — a combination of FSH and LH activity. Store as labelled, protect from light and heat, and use the reconstituted solution promptly.
rFSH (Recombinant FSH) — a highly pure, lab-produced follicle stimulating hormone. Keep refrigerated, observe the limited room-temperature window allowed by the manufacturer, and handle pen devices carefully.
rFSH + rLH (Recombinant FSH with Recombinant LH) — a dual-hormone preparation for patients who need both FSH and LH support. Reconstitute correctly, handle gently to protect the proteins, and use immediately after mixing.
For all three, the golden rules are the same: store at 2–8°C, never freeze, keep away from heat and sunlight, and always check the expiry date and appearance before use.
Do IVF injections need to be refrigerated at home?
Yes. Gonadotropin injections must be kept cold at home too. Here is how our patients should carry and store them:
Collect the injections in the insulated cold chain carry box with the ice packs our pharmacy provides.
Keep the vials beside the ice packs, not pressed against them, so they never freeze.
Travel straight home, within a few hours, and never leave the box in a hot car or in direct sunlight.
As soon as you reach home, place the injections in your refrigerator at 2–8°C.
Store them on the 2nd or 3rd shelf — not in the freezer and not in the fridge door.
Keep the vials and pens in their original box to protect them from light.
Before every dose, check the expiry date and the liquid; if it looks cloudy, discoloured, or may have frozen, do not use it.
When in doubt, call us — we would rather replace a vial than risk your cycle.
Our commitment to quality
This training reflects our ongoing commitment to safe, evidence-based fertility care in Chennai. By investing in our staff's knowledge and maintaining a strict cold chain, we protect the effectiveness of every treatment — and, most importantly, your dream of parenthood.
Have questions about your IVF, ICSI or IUI treatment?
Book a consultation with Dr. Aishwarya Parthasarathy at ASCAS Fertility & Women's Center, Saligramam, Chennai.
Call 9345293609 · 14, Arunachalam Rd, next to VB World, Saligramam, Chennai 600093.
