Liquid nitrogen storage at -195.8 degrees C is the common thread across embryo, sperm and ovarian tissue cryopreservation. But the consumable systems, vessel configurations and storage organisation approaches differ between sample types in ways that matter practically for UK fertility laboratories managing mixed-sample inventories.
Embryos are typically stored in vitrification carrier devices – closed-system carriers such as CBS High Security straws – within visotubes, goblets and canisters inside a liquid nitrogen storage vessel. The storage organisation needs to support rapid, accurate sample identification under HFEA traceability requirements, with colour coding systems that allow specific embryo batches to be located without unnecessary access events.
Sperm is typically cryopreserved in 0.3ml or 0.5ml CBS High Security Straws using slow freezing protocols, stored in visotubes and cryocanes within the same canister system used for embryo storage. Many UK fertility clinics store embryos and sperm in separate dedicated vessels to maintain clear organisational boundaries between the two sample types.
Ovarian tissue is stored differently again – cortical strips are typically placed in cryovials or wrapped in specific storage materials before being placed in liquid nitrogen. The volume and fragility of the tissue requires careful handling during retrieval. Storage in a dedicated vessel or a clearly designated area of a shared vessel reduces the risk of confusion with other sample types.
<blockquote><p>The principle that applies across all three sample types is the same: the storage system must allow positive identification of any specific sample without ambiguity at any point during the storage period. The consumable configuration is the physical layer of that identification system.</p></blockquote>
The CryoNest series supports the mixed-sample inventories of UK fertility clinics with organised rack systems and large capacity. For configuration advice, contact Cryolab.
