Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a placement of a cryogenic specimen in a cryogenic storage chamber or Dewar vessel, the lifting mechanism comprising and upper member and a lower member. The upper member may comprise a handle, an upper shaft coupled to the handle at a first end, and a locking mechanism. The lower member may comprise an attachment point and a backboard. The lower member may be coupled at a second end of the upper shaft. The backboard may be coupled to the attachment point by a lower shaft and configured to support the cryogenic specimen.

Abstract: A cryogenic specimen shipping container using nitrogen gas for transport of a cryogenic specimen to a cryogenic storage chamber or Dewar vessel for storage. The cryogenic specimen shipping container may comprise an outer container, an inner container received within the outer container, and a gas pathway located between the outer container and the inner container and configured to expel the nitrogen gas.