A cryocane is the slender rod that holds visotubes – and through them, the straws containing patient samples – within a canister inside a liquid nitrogen storage vessel. In terms of physical presence in an IVF laboratory, it is one of the most unassuming objects in the room. In terms of functional importance, it is critical infrastructure that directly supports HFEA traceability requirements.
Aluminium vs Plastic: Why the Choice Matters
Cryocanes are available in aluminium and plastic (typically polycarbonate). The choice of material has practical implications at cryogenic temperatures.
Aluminium cryocanes are dimensionally stable at cryogenic temperatures. Aluminium has a low thermal expansion coefficient, meaning the cane does not change significantly in dimensions when cooled to -195.8°C. This matters because a cane that contracts significantly on cooling can become loose within the canister, potentially allowing visotubes to shift position. Aluminium is also robust enough to survive the physical handling demands of a busy IVF laboratory without cracking or distorting.
Plastic cryocanes work well in standard conditions, but some plastics become more brittle at cryogenic temperatures and can crack if dropped or subjected to mechanical stress during retrieval. A cracked cryocane inside a storage vessel interrupts clinical work and requires careful retrieval.
Colour Coding and Length
Cryocanes are available in different lengths and colours. Length should be matched to the neck depth of your storage vessel and the canister configuration you use. Colour coding allows different patient groups, treatment cycles or sample types to be visually distinguished within the same canister – an important aid to rapid, accurate identification that HFEA traceability requirements demand.
Cryolab supplies cryocanes in both aluminium and plastic, in multiple lengths and colours. View the aluminium canes range or contact us for configuration advice.
