Liquid Nitrogen Freezer

[Cathy]

Hello,

Does anyone have a liquid nitrogen freezer?  Our O.R. wants to put one in our blood bank to store cryo-veins and other items to save on shipping costs.  Of course they have a company rep who will 'give' us a freezer and says it's not big deal to have it in our enclosed storage space.  I am wondering what needs to be in place for safety, in the event of a leak.  My understanding is oxygen would be consumed very quickly.  I would expect to need oxygen sensors/alarms, what else?  We have reached out to our hospital safety officer.  I just thought I would ask what others are doing. 

Thanks in advance!

Cathy

[Cliff]

We have LN2 here, we used to have a lot when we processed bone marrows.

LN2 won't consume oxygen, it will displace it with nitrogen, which already makes up most of the air we breath.  If it's going to be stored in a tiny room, you may want an O2 sensor.  Our storage unit and supply tank are in our lab.  We've never had an issue.

The supply tank is usually pretty big and needs to be replaced regularly.

Who will be responsible for the tissue?  That's what worries me the most. 

[Cathy]

Thank you Cliff.  The blood bank staff will be responsible for storage.  We already store and issue frozen bone.  Don't get me started

Thanks,

Cathy