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Cryogenic storage refers to the preservation of biological samples at extremely low temperatures using liquid nitrogen (LN2), typically ranging from -150 degrees Celsius to -196 degrees Celsius. At these temperatures, virtually all biological activity, including ice crystal formation and molecular degradation, is suspended, allowing samples to be preserved indefinitely without measurable loss of viability. Cryogenic storage is the gold standard for long-term preservation of cells, tissues, reproductive material, and other biological specimens where sample integrity over years or decades is critical.
LabRepCo supplies a complete range of cryogenic storage equipment from MVE, Azenta Life Sciences, and IC Biomedical, covering everything from small benchtop dewars to large automated LN2 storage systems capable of housing hundreds of thousands of samples. Our cryogenic storage solutions support biobanking, cell and gene therapy, IVF and reproductive medicine, blood banking, and academic research applications across LabRepCo’s 20-state distribution territory.
Cryogenic storage systems operate in one of two modes, and the distinction matters significantly for sample safety and cross-contamination risk:
| Liquid Phase Storage | Vapor Phase Storage | |
| How It Works | Samples are fully submerged in liquid nitrogen | Samples are stored above the liquid LN2 level, cooled by nitrogen vapor |
| Temperature | Constant -196 degrees Celsius | -150 degrees Celsius to -190 degrees Celsius depending on fill level and design |
| Cross-Contamination Risk | Higher – samples share the same liquid nitrogen bath | Lower – samples are not in direct contact with shared liquid |
| Common Use | Long-term storage where temperature stability is the priority | Storage of samples for clinical or reproductive use where cross-contamination risk must be minimized |
| Holding Time on LN2 Depletion | Shorter once liquid nitrogen is fully consumed | Generally longer, as residual vapor provides additional buffer time |
Most modern cryogenic freezers and dewars, including MVE and Azenta systems available through LabRepCo, are designed to operate in vapor phase to minimize cross-contamination risk, particularly important in clinical and reproductive medicine applications where regulatory guidance increasingly favors vapor phase storage.
| Category | Description | Browse |
| Cryogenic LN2 Freezers | Our full range of liquid nitrogen freezers for long-term sample preservation. | View All |
| Automated Cryogenic Storage | Azenta Life Sciences automated LN2 storage systems with robotic sample retrieval, inventory tracking, and documentation for high-throughput biobanking operations. | View All |
| Liquid Nitrogen Dewars | Our full range of LN2 storage dewars for small to mid-scale sample storage. | View All |
| Cryogenic Shippers and LN2 Transport | MVE and IC Biomedical cryoshippers providing 7 to 85 day static holding times for safe transport of cryopreserved samples, IATA compliant for air shipment. | View All |
| LN2 Cylinders (Supply Tanks) | Bulk liquid nitrogen supply cylinders for refilling cryogenic storage systems and maintaining LN2 inventory on site. | View All |
| Controlled Rate Freezers | Programmable controlled-rate freezing systems for precise cooling curves required in cell and tissue cryopreservation protocols. | View All |
| Small Capacity Vial and Box Transport | Compact internal transport solutions for moving small quantities of cryopreserved vials and boxes between storage locations. | View All |
| LN2 Accessories | Liquid withdrawal devices, cryogenic gloves and aprons, LN2 alarms, oxygen monitors, dippers, canisters, and transfer hoses to support safe cryogenic storage operations. | View All |
Cryogenic storage using liquid nitrogen typically maintains temperatures between -150 degrees Celsius and -196 degrees Celsius, depending on whether the system operates in liquid phase (constant -196 degrees Celsius) or vapor phase (-150 to -190 degrees Celsius depending on fill level and system design). At these temperatures, biological activity is essentially halted, allowing indefinite sample preservation.
In liquid phase storage, samples are fully submerged in liquid nitrogen. In vapor phase storage, samples are positioned above the liquid nitrogen level and cooled by nitrogen vapor rather than direct liquid contact. Vapor phase storage is generally preferred for clinical and reproductive applications because it reduces the risk of cross-contamination between samples that liquid phase systems can present, since samples in liquid phase share the same nitrogen bath.
Neither is universally better – they serve different purposes. Cryogenic storage at -150 to -196 degrees Celsius is preferred for indefinite, long-term preservation of master cell banks, stem cells, and reproductive material, and does not depend on continuous electrical power. Ultra-low temperature freezers at -80 degrees Celsius are standard for active research samples and shorter-term biological storage, and are more convenient for frequent sample access. Many facilities use both systems for different sample categories.
Properly cryopreserved samples stored in liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees Celsius can remain viable indefinitely, with some research indicating successful recovery of samples stored for multiple decades. The key factors affecting long-term viability are the cryopreservation protocol used before storage, consistent maintenance of LN2 levels, and protection from temperature fluctuations during storage and any necessary transport.
LabRepCo carries cryogenic storage equipment from MVE (Chart Industries), Azenta Life Sciences, IC Biomedical, phasetwo, and Scilogex, covering LN2 freezers, dewars, cryoshippers, automated storage systems, and controlled rate freezers. All products are available with full manufacturer warranty and through LabRepCo’s GSA and E&I cooperative purchasing contracts.
Contact LabRepCo at 800-521-0754 for guidance on selecting the right cryogenic storage solution for your biobanking, research, or clinical sample preservation needs.
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