Long-term preservation of laboratory samples: Why liquid nitrogen tanks are key

In biological laboratories, the value of samples often far exceeds that of the equipment itself. Whether it's cells, bacteria, tissue samples, or vaccines, their activity directly affects the reliability of experimental results. Many laboratories encounter the same problem: samples, despite being placed in liquid nitrogen, show decreased activity or even become ineffective after several months. The cause is often not the sample itself, but rather the inadequacy of the liquid nitrogen tank.

The core function of a liquid nitrogen tank is to maintain a stable temperature in an ultra-low temperature environment of -196°C while minimizing liquid nitrogen evaporation. If the insulation performance is poor, liquid nitrogen consumption will accelerate significantly, increasing not only costs but also the risk of samples being exposed to high temperatures. Especially at night or on weekends when no one is on duty, samples may be damaged in a short time if the liquid nitrogen is insufficient.

Choosing the right liquid nitrogen tank requires first clarifying the intended use case. Some laboratories need to store large quantities of samples long-term, requiring storage-type liquid nitrogen tanks with stronger insulation performance; while if primarily used for sample transportation, transport-type liquid nitrogen tanks with better shock resistance and leak-proof capabilities should be chosen. Using the wrong type not only results in poor performance but can also pose safety hazards.

Besides type, capacity and structure are also important. Excessive capacity not only takes up space but also increases unnecessary costs; insufficient capacity requires frequent replenishment, increasing operational burden. Meanwhile, a well-designed internal structure reduces cold loss when the lid is opened, improving storage and retrieval efficiency and making daily operations smoother.

Safety is equally crucial. High-quality liquid nitrogen tanks are equipped with reliable pressure relief devices, sealing structures, and stable bases. These designs effectively reduce operational risks and protect the safety of laboratory personnel and samples.

In summary, a stable and reliable liquid nitrogen tank not only ensures safer sample preservation but also reduces long-term operating costs and improves overall laboratory efficiency. For research teams that rely on long-term cryopreservation, choosing a high-performance liquid nitrogen tank is a vital step in protecting experimental results.