Maintenance and Management of Cryopreserved Samples and Cryotanks in an IVF Laboratory

In this chapter, sophisticated automated systems that aim to reduce the risks of cryostorage along with manual systems of oversight will be described. Used correctly and with proper maintenance, the automated systems can add to a level of security. But it cannot be overstated that automation is no substitute for manual oversight of LN2 levels and storage vessel integrity even with fully automated equipment in use. Together both approaches lead to the highest level of risk reduction. Recent accidents have demonstrated that the storage of reproductive human tissue carries with it a high level of risks. Failure or an accident can cost a tissue repository millions of dollars. There are several ways to mitigate this risk by understanding how storage tanks function and how to best protect them with adequate and redundant alarm systems. All tanks must be validated with appropriate testing that includes testing each tank to failure. This must be followed up with adequate QC to predict failure before it occurs and to prevent catastrophic warming of tissue.