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Freezing Spare Embryos in IVF Lab
Embryo Cryopreservation

This page shows the older, traditional "slow freezing" method of embryo freezing
We are currently using vitrification - a new rapid freezing method with better embryo survival and pregnancy success rates

The cryopreservation area of our lab
1: Liquid nitrogen supply tank, 2: Backup embryo freezer, 3: Main embryo freezer, 4 & 5: Storage tanks for frozen embryos and sperm

The embryos are frozen in special straws in this device - a controlled rate freezer
She is loading straws into the freezer

From left to right in this image are a nickel, 2 straws that we use to freeze embryos in, and a cane that holds the straws in the storage tank.	Here is a close-up of the same stuff. The 2 straws would also be labeled with names, etc. if they contained embryos.

"Seeding" a straw at a critical temperature
This helps to avoid formation of intracellular ice (ice formation can damage embryos)

Here the cane with frozen embryos is being "plunged" into the storage tank  
The tank contains liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees Centigrade (minus 320 degrees F) that's cold!