Liquid nitrogen storage capacity for an IVF programme is calculated by estimating the number of straws or vials in active storage at peak inventory, then working backwards to the number of canisters, goblets, and tanks required. A standard 35-litre tank holds approximately 1,500 straws in a full 6-canister configuration. A clinic performing 500 egg collections per year, freezing an average of 5 blastocysts per patient, generates a peak inventory of around 2,500 straws — requiring at least two full tanks plus a third as contingency and quarantine space.
Redundancy and growth planning
Planning for 30-40% headroom above current inventory is standard practice. For growing programmes, biobanking-grade high-capacity vessels reduce the number of tanks needed. Cryolab supplies liquid nitrogen storage tanks to IVF clinics and fertility centres worldwide and can advise on capacity planning for programmes of any size.
Cryolab supplies liquid nitrogen storage tanks to IVF clinics worldwide. Visit cryolab.co.uk or call 01243 781 121 for capacity planning advice.
