IVF Knowledge

  When it comes to IVF, every detail in the cryogenic process matters including the sperm straws used for collection, freezing, and storage. These tiny tubes play a big role in protecting valuable genetic material, so quality and compatibility aren’t things you can compromise on. What Sperm Straws Are Sperm straws are thin, sealed tubes designed to store semen samples in liquid nitrogen. They’re typically made from biocompatible plastic and are hermetically sealed to prevent contamination or cross-mixing. In IVF labs, they’re used for freezing, identifying, and thawing samples during assisted reproduction procedures. What Makes a Good Sperm Straw A reliable sperm straw should: Maintain integrity at ultra-low temperatures  down to -196 °C. Be hermetically sealed  to prevent leakage or contamination. Offer clear identification  through colour coding or printed lab codes. Be compatible  with cryogenic accessories like visotubes, goblets, and canisters. In short, th...

  If you’re looking for reliable LN2 tanks in the UK, you’re in the right place. These vessels aren’t just cold containers they’re precision-engineered systems designed to hold liquid nitrogen at around –196°C, keeping biological samples, medical materials, and other sensitive contents safe from heat and contamination. The challenge isn’t finding  a  tank it’s finding one that’s built to last, easy to handle, and supported by people who genuinely understand cryogenics. What LN2 Tanks Actually Are An LN2 tank, also known as a liquid nitrogen dewar or storage vessel, is designed to safely contain and manage liquid nitrogen. They come in a range of capacities and formats depending on your needs from smaller units for regular refilling to large storage models used in labs, IVF centres, and cryobanks. What really matters is insulation quality and vacuum integrity. A well-designed tank maintains temperature for extended periods, reduces nitrogen loss, and keeps samples secure n...

When biological samples need to move between labs, clinics, or research facilities, keeping them frozen and secure is non-negotiable. The challenge is doing that safely especially during air or long-distance transport without risking leaks or contamination. That’s exactly what a Dry Shipper is built for. What Is a Dry Shipper? A Dry Shipper is a specialised cryogenic container used to transport biological materials at ultra-low temperatures. Unlike standard liquid nitrogen (LN₂) tanks that hold free liquid, a Dry Shipper absorbs LN₂ into a porous absorbent material. This keeps the nitrogen locked inside, allowing the container to maintain cryogenic temperatures without any liquid movement or spillage. The result: you get all the cooling power of LN₂, without the hazards associated with transporting liquid nitrogen. How Does a Dry Shipper Work? Before use, the Dry Shipper is charged with liquid nitrogen until its inner absorbent is fully saturated. Once the excess LN₂ is poured out, onl...

    When it comes to cryogenic storage, temperature stability isn’t just important—it’s everything. Biological samples such as embryos, sperm, oocytes, and tissues remain viable only when held consistently at -196 °C. Even a small fluctuation can compromise years of research or treatment. That’s why laboratories and fertility clinics across the UK depend on Cryolab’s CryoNest® liquid nitrogen storage tanks engineered to deliver unmatched stability, safety, and longevity. Built for Precision, Designed for Real Labs Every CryoNest® tank is developed with meticulous attention to performance. Using durable aluminium or stainless steel construction and high-efficiency insulation, the system minimises nitrogen evaporation and maintains consistent cryogenic conditions. The range covers everything from compact dewars for everyday use to high-capacity units for large biobanks. With narrow- and wide-neck options, extended-hold models, and integrated rack systems, CryoNest® offer...

  When it comes to cryogenic storage, precision and organisation matter just as much as temperature control. CBS offers a complete range of Identification (ID) and Obturating Rods designed to keep samples clearly labelled, securely sealed, and easy to retrieve even under liquid nitrogen. Thick and Thin ID Rods for Visotubes Available in both thick and thin diameters, these ID rods provide a simple, durable way to label Visotubes. Their colour-coded design allows quick visual identification, helping technicians maintain order and efficiency during cryogenic storage or retrieval. Built to withstand extreme cold, they remain legible and secure throughout repeated freezing cycles. CBS ID and Obturating Rods For classic PETG straws, these rods serve two purposes identification and sealing. Each 42 mm rod ensures a clear, visible label while also providing a tight obturation to protect valuable samples. Sold in sets of five and available in multiple colours, they’re a practical and organ...

  In cryopreservation, every detail counts. CBS Sterile Filling Nozzles offer laboratories a dependable way to fill High Security Straws accurately, ensuring samples remain uncontaminated and secure. These nozzles are designed for precision, reliability, and ease of use, making them an essential tool for labs handling delicate biological materials. Accurate Filling Every Time Filling straws correctly is crucial when working with sensitive samples such as sperm, oocytes, or other biological material. CBS Sterile Filling Nozzles provide controlled manual filling, ensuring each straw is filled consistently and cleanly. By reducing waste and preventing spillage, they help maintain the integrity of every sample. Sterility You Can Trust Each nozzle comes pre-sterilised, so there’s no need for additional preparation before use. This built-in sterility protects samples and supports compliance with strict biosecurity standards, which is essential for fertility clinics, research labs, and br...

The CBS High Security Vitrification Kits provide a complete solution for the safe vitrification of embryos, combining laboratory efficiency with uncompromised sample security. Designed to simplify handling and storage, these kits are available in multiple colours, making it easy to identify samples at a glance and reducing the risk of errors during routine laboratory work. Each kit is thoughtfully engineered to ensure precise and secure cryopreservation. It includes a High Security ionomeric resin straw, a capillary tube with a pre-formed gutter, a coloured handling rod, and a blue plastic insertion device. This combination allows for accurate sample placement, smooth handling, and secure storage, all while maintaining the integrity of your embryos throughout the cryopreservation process. Laboratory workflow is further enhanced by the intuitive design of the kits. The colour-coded components streamline organisation, reduce confusion, and speed up procedures, allowing embryologists to f...

  Working with cryogenic liquids and hazardous substances demands reliable personal protection. Cryolab Waterproof Safety Aprons are designed to give lab personnel the confidence to handle these materials safely, without worrying about accidental splashes or spills. The tough waterproof fabric forms a dependable barrier, preventing liquids from soaking through to clothing or skin and offering long-term durability for daily use in busy laboratories. Each apron is crafted to balance protection with comfort. Adjustable straps and a flexible fit make it easy to move freely while maintaining full coverage during routine procedures. Whether you’re handling liquid nitrogen, performing clinical work, or managing biological samples, these aprons provide a solid layer of protection without getting in the way. They come in a range of size small at 90 cm, medium at 100 cm, large at 120 cm, and extra-large at 130 cm so every team member can find a fit that suits their height and working style. ...

Storing biological samples safely at ultra-low temperatures is critical, and having the right equipment makes all the difference. Our range of Dewars, canister vessels, and dry shippers is designed to make storage and transport as safe, efficient, and hassle-free as possible. Durable Dilvac Dewars The Dilvac Dewar is built to last. With a stainless-steel exterior and a replaceable borosilicate glass inner vessel, it offers excellent thermal insulation while staying easy to handle. Its compact, lightweight design means you can move it around the lab without struggling, and the tough steel casing protects against bumps and knocks. Stainless Steel Dewars (No Glass) If you want to skip the glass altogether, our all-stainless-steel Dewars are a great option. They deliver the same reliable performance and insulation without the fragility of a glass vessel, giving you peace of mind and a safer solution for busy labs. Organised Sample Storage Our Six Canister and Ten Canister Vessels help keep...

  Managing cryogenic samples can be challenging, especially when relying on handwritten notes or adhesive labels that may fade over time. Colour-coded plastic tabs provide a simple, durable solution for organising samples stored in cryocanes and visotubes. These tabs fit securely on the tops of cryocanes and visotubes, offering instant visual identification without the need to remove containers or search through multiple canisters. By assigning colours to different sample types, projects, storage dates, or priority levels, laboratories can create a clear, consistent labelling system. For example, blue might indicate blood samples, green for tissue, and red for urgent or time-sensitive materials. Constructed from high-quality plastic, the tabs resist cracking and fading in cryogenic conditions, ensuring they remain legible and securely attached through repeated freezing and thawing cycles. This makes them ideal for long-term biobanking, clinical storage, and research laboratories wh...

  In cryostorage temperature stability is everything. Eggs, sperm, embryos, and other biological materials can only remain viable when stored consistently at -196 °C. Even a minor fluctuation can undo years of work. Across the UK, clinics and research laboratories rely on liquid nitrogen storage tanks for labs in the UK to keep critical specimens secure day by day storage. Cryolab developed the CryoNest® range to meet these demands head-on. By combining precision engineering, LN2 storage tank technology, and adaptable cryogenic equipment, CryoNest® gives every facility from small labs to high-throughput fertility centres the right storage space for their most valuable samples. Stability Engineered Into Every Detail CryoNest® containers are built with aluminium or stainless steel for the ideal balance of strength and portability. Advanced insulation minimises nitrogen loss, maintaining consistent conditions inside liquid nitrogen dewars. Whether you need additional storage for routi...

Handling vitrified samples and biological specimens requires precision, care, and the right tools. CBS offers specialized manual opening devices designed to ensure safe, efficient, and aseptic access to High Security Vitrification Straws and Tubes. CBS High Security Vitrification Straws Opening Device High Security Vitrification Straws are engineered for secure storage of valuable samples. To retrieve these samples without compromising their integrity, a dedicated manual opening device is essential. CBS provides tools specifically designed for this purpose, allowing lab professionals to access vitrified specimens safely and efficiently. For example, the Knipex Stripper is an ideal solution for opening High Security Vitrification Straws. Its precise design ensures controlled manipulation, reducing the risk of sample damage during retrieval. CBS High Security Tube Scissors Similarly, CBS offers manual opening tools for High Security Tubes. The CBS autoclavable scissors are designed for s...

In IVF, precision isn’t optional it’s the foundation of every procedure. Every movement under the microscope matters, and the quality of your tools directly shapes your results. Cryolab’s micromanipulation pipettes are made for embryologists who need accuracy they can depend on, day after day. Biopsy Micropipettes for Clean Cell Sampling During PGT, it’s crucial to remove a few cells without harming the embryo. Our biopsy pipettes have straight cut tips, inner diameters between 20 and 40 μm, and bend angles from 20° to 35°. They’re designed for clean, controlled biopsies that protect the structural integrity of the embryo. Holding Micropipettes for Steady Positioning When you’re working under the microscope, even the slightest shift can throw things off. These holding pipettes keep embryos stable during biopsy, ICSI, and assisted hatching. With inner diameters of 15–30 μm and bend angles of 0°–35°, they give you flexibility to match your technique while maintaining reliable stability. ...

CBS Polygonal Visotubes and CBS Hexagonal Visotubes provide secure, organised, and traceable cryogenic storage for 0.25 ml straws, 0.5 ml straws, and CBS High-Security Straws. Made from high-quality PETG, these visotubes withstand repeated liquid nitrogen exposure without cracking, ensuring long-term sample protection. CBS Polygonal Visotubes Polygonal Visotubes offer versatile cryogenic storage with sizes ranging from 7.1 mm to 65 mm. Their unique polygonal shape keeps straws upright and separated, reducing the risk of damage and improving sample organisation. Available in multiple colours, they support efficient identification and coding in high-throughput labs. CBS Hexagonal Visotubes Hexagonal Visotubes feature a six-sided design that fits securely in storage canisters, lifters, and cryogenic racks. This stable structure prevents movement during handling, helping maintain sample integrity. Like the polygonal range, they are available in various colours to simplify sample tracking. ...