ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Vitrication is now a part of nearly every in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. Gametes and embryos are, therefore, stored in liquid nitrogen (LN2) for a number of years and possibly decades, especially when considering donor cryo-banks and gamete freezing for social reasons or fertility preservation. Many cryopreserved samples within IVF are stored in containers that are not hermetically sealed, which is not in concordance with medical directives for the storage of biological tissues. Such directives have been put in place to minimize the risk of cross-contamination from infected material and also the LN2 itself, which is not sterile.
