The main problem when freezing cells is the formation of intracellular ice crystals during both cooling and warming. These ice crystals have a detrimental effect on cell survival. Vitrification, the extremely rapid freezing of cellular material, makes it possible to freeze cells without forming ice crystals within the cells. The result of vitrification is a very homogenous structure, an amorphous crystalline structure, as seen with glass and obsidian, materials which fracture easily, have sharp edges and smooth surfaces (glass transition). The cryoprotectants used for vitrification are a combination of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO), Ethylene Glycol, Sucrose and Ficoll. Nidacon’s vitrification fluids, VitriBlast for cooling and ThermoBlast for warming/thawing, can both be used with different types of vitrification-devices, but we recommend our closed device.

VitriBlast and ThermoBlast are based on clinically, well tested, standard formulations (Lane et al). Numerous publications demonstrate their effectiveness regarding both survival of blastocysts and pregnancy rates. In addition, follow-up studies have been published on live-births, where a comparison is made with new-births from fresh blastocysts, slow-frozen early cleavage stage embryos and vitrified blastocysts (Wikland M et al.(2010).

Use a legally marketed device indicated for use in blastocyst vitrification procedures. Use a closed system to prevent the potential risk of viral contamination using open systems where the sample comes in direct contact with liquid nitrogen. The device needs to meet the following rate of cooling: minimum 1.800ºC/min (High security straw)

The Fertility Centre at Carlanderska Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden, has been using this formulation since 2005 with excellent results. Blastocyst survival rates are 5% higher (84% vs 80%), and pregnancy rate per transfer is much higher (54% vs 37%), when compared to the slow-freezing technique for cleavage stage embryos.

• • Sodium chloride
  • Potassium chloride
  • Magnesium sulphate
  • Potassium dihydrogen phosphate
  • Sodium bicarbonate
  • hSA (human Serum Albumin)
  • Purified water
  • Glucose
  • Calcium lactate
  • Sodium pyruvate
  • EDTA
  • HEPES
  • Sucrose
  • Ethylene glycol
  • DMSO
  • Ficoll

Performance Characteristics

• • • pH: 7.25-7.45.
    • Endotoxin levels: <0.5 EU/mL.
    • MEA: Re-expanded blastocysts after exposure >80%.
    • Bottles and screw caps are M.E.A. tested.

• Store at 2 to 30°C and avoid temperatures above or below these values. Under these conditions VitriBlast has a shelf-life of 12 months from production. The expiry date is shown on both bottles and cartons.
• Open and close bottles under aseptic conditions. After opening store at 2 to 8°C when not in use. Shelf-life on the product label applies when the product is stored according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• No antibiotics, unstable additives or preservatives have been added by the manufacturer to VitriBlast.

• Use aseptic procedures at all times.
• Do not use any vial or solution that shows evidence of particulate matter or cloudiness.
• VitriBlast contains DMSO which is a highly penetrating substance. A material safety data sheet is available from the distributor or manufacturer (see nidacon.com).
• VitriBlast contains Ethylene glycol which is toxic when ingested.
• A Closed Vitrification system is mandatory in USA.
• Federal Law (USA) restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
• Please check for regulatory compliance governing the use of ART products in your country.

Article No. / Name / Volume
VBK-010 / VitriBlast Kit / 3×10 mL (Not available in Europe)

SDS – View PDF

Product insert (latest version) – View PDF

For other languages, contact Nidacon

Prediction of live birth in frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles by pre-freeze and post-thaw morphology.

Ahlström A1, Westin C, Wikland M, Hardarson T., (2013)
Human Reproduction, Vol.28, No.5 pp. 1199–1209

Vitrification of mouse and human blastocysts using a novel cryoloop container-less technique.

Lane M et al, (1999)
Fertility and Sterility., Vol 72, No 6, pp1073-1078

Vitrification of human blastocysts using cryoloops: Clinical outcome of 223 cycles.

Mukaida T et al. (2003)
Hum Reprod., Vol. 18, No. 2, pp384-391

Perinatal outcome of blastocyst transfer with vitrification using cryoloop: A 4 year follow-up study.

Takahashi K et al. (2005)
Fertil Steril., Vol. 84, No. 1, 88-92

Obstetric outcome of children born after transfer of vitrified blastocysts

Wikland M et al. (2010).
Human Reproduction, Vol.00, No.0 pp. 1–9

Vitrification and warming human blastocysts by use of a laser to artificially induce blastocyst collapse prior to vitrification.

T. Hardarson et al. (2006)
Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 86 pp119-120