Infertility in the Age of TikTok: Separating Fact from Fiction
The Silent Unnecessary Risk We Take: How to Prevent Sample Damage In the Middle of a Cryotank Failure
Date: May 20, 2025
Author: Christine S. Allen, Han Weerdesteyn, Stephen Tierry
For us in the IVF field, cryopreservation is the lifeline of fertility treatment, ensuring reproductive samples remain viable for future use. But nothing is forever. Every piece of equipment one day will fail. What happens when the unthinkable occurs—a cryotank failure? Can we prevent damage before it’s too late? Short answer: most likely yes.
Why are cryotanks at risk?
IVF clinics often store multiple cryotanks in small spaces, requiring careful handling and frequent liquid nitrogen (N2(l)) refilling. Because refilling is manual, there’s always a risk that a tank could be overlooked.The real danger? Building the false sense of security.
- A missed refill doesn’t cause immediate sample loss. So, it's all ok, right? Risky assumption.
- Fluctuations in internal tank temperatures allows malleable metals – especially Aluminium (Al) to expand and contract their mass. And hidden issues—like vacuum seal leaks or manufacturing defects—can go unnoticed.
- When failure happens, it’s sudden and catastrophic. And, unfortunately, not all alarms are immediately recognized or addressed in IVF clinics.
But why is accurately monitoring cryotanks so difficult?
Accurately tracking N2(l) levels is more challenging than it seems, and the greater the redundancy for accuracy, the safer, such as through weight, consumption and 2 levels of temperature tracks.Limitations?
- Limited Space – Cryotanks are compact, leaving little room for sensors without obstructing access to samples.
- Extreme Conditions – Sensors inside cryotanks must withstand ultra-low temperatures. Every time a sample is retrieved, the rapid temperature changes, putting mechanical stress on monitoring devices.
- Delayed Detection – Traditional monitoring methods, such as manual visual checks or data loggers, may not provide real-time alerts, leading to slow response times in emergencies.
Because of these challenges, selecting the right monitoring methods is critical. A balance must be struck between accuracy, durability, cost, and ease of installation.
How can we detect cryotank failures faster?
Simple yet effective solutions integrate temperature, consumption and weight sensors to track N2(l levels in real time, using sensors as a Safety Trigger.How much time do we have to respond?
To understand real-world failure timelines, controlled tests are conducted by manufacturers by simulating cryotank failures. The results are eye-opening:- Sensor placement matters – A PT100 sensor positioned at 160 mm in the tank neck detected liquid loss faster than one at 310 mm.
- Timing is critical – If only a 310 mm sensor is used, it takes 1 hour and 16 minutes for the temperature to rise from -194°C to -180°C.
- Why would this matter? – Once temperatures exceed -180°C, vitrified oocytes (eggs) may no longer be viable, making fast intervention essential.
What can be done to minimize risk for sample damage if a failure happens?
Real-time monitoring is a must:
- Manual checks and outdated data loggers can delay responses. Clinics should invest in 24/7 live monitoring systems that provide immediate alerts.
- Standardized alarm settings may result in missed alerts or unnecessary disruptions. The ideal approach? Customizable alarm thresholds:
- During office hours → Slightly longer delay times to prevent false alarms from routine sample retrieval.
- Outside office hours → Shorter delay times to ensure rapid notification of critical failures.
- Alerts should escalate until acknowledged by a responsible person—minimizing the risk that failure goes unnoticed.
The bottom line: Prevention is key
While cryotank failures are rare, when they do happen, the tank damage is irreversible, but sample damage can be prevented. With the right sensors, real-time monitoring, and optimized alarm settings, clinics can protect their most precious assets—patients’ hopes for the future.
Investing in proactive safeguards isn’t just about best practices—it’s about ensuring the success of every IVF treatment.
- Are your monitoring systems up to date?
- Does your clinic have an immediate response plan in case of failure?
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