The equitainer is a semen cooler and shipper sold by  ARS. It is a large thermos that controls how fast the semen is cooled. The semen is placed in a plastic bag (baby bottle liner or whirlpack bag with the top cut off works well), and then into the specimen container. The total volume in the specimen container should be between 120-170cc since the volume of liquid will change the cooling rate in the specimen container. The dark plastic bags sold with the Equitainer are the ballast bags (60cc) which are placed in the specimen container to bring the volume up to the required amount.

For 50-120 ml of semen, use one ballast bag. If you are cooling/shipping more than 120 ml of semen then you do not require a ballast bag.

Disposable shippers are now available. These shippers work on the same principal as the Equitainer. Follow the directions included with the shipper.

Directions:

1. Freeze coolant cans for at least 24 hr. Keep ballast bag and collection cup at 37-39°C
2. Pack semen in at least 2 plastic bags. Make sure they are securely closed and labeled.
3. Roll the semen and ballast bags together and place in the specimen container. Put the lid on the specimen container.
4. Put the coolant cans in the Equitainer (in plastic bag).
5. Place the specimen container in the isothermalizer.
6. Put the isothermalizer on top of the cans and secure the lid.