The cryopreserved cord blood units must be stored at a temperature below glass transition point (Tg) which is in general regarded as being -132oC. Below this temperature no diffusion can take place and thus the biological clock stops. This means below this temperature the integrity of the cryopreserved cord blood units can be maintained, at least theoretically, for eternity. In fact -150oC will be quoted as critical temperature by many researchers applying cryopreservation technology.
CRYOLIFE uses MVE storage tank for long term cord blood storage. This vapour phase storage tank is widely use in medical, scientific research and academic units. It can be maintained at -196℃.
Previous study has shown that liquid nitrogen raised a potential contamination problem [1], therefore, we have adopted the more advance MVE vapour phase liquid nitrogen storage tanks to eliminate the risk of virus transfer and cross contamination. MVE storage tanks are able to maintain consistent temperature between -185℃ to -190℃ which is safe for cord blood storage and retrieval.
