What does a cryogenic service contract for an IVF laboratory typically cover and when is one worth the cost?
A cryogenic service contract for an IVF laboratory typically covers scheduled inspection and maintenance of storage vessels and dispensing equipment, calibration of temperature probes and oxygen depletion monitors, replacement of consumable components including neck plugs, lid seals, and pressure relief valves on dispensing cylinders, and priority response in the event of a suspected vessel failure. The scope and cost vary significantly between suppliers, from basic annual inspection visits to fully managed service agreements that include emergency call-out cover and loan vessel provision during planned maintenance periods.
The cost-benefit calculation for a cryogenic service contract depends primarily on the clinical consequence of unplanned equipment failure. A clinic storing embryos from hundreds of patients across eight or ten storage vessels has a very different risk profile from a small unit with two vessels and a limited sample inventory. For high-volume facilities, the cost of a comprehensive service contract is typically a small fraction of the clinical and reputational cost of a storage incident caused by undetected equipment degradation. Cryolab provides technical support and maintenance guidance for all equipment in the storage vessel range and the dry shipper range. Contact Cryolab to discuss service and maintenance options for your facility’s equipment.
