What’s inside:
In fertility medicine, cryostorage that holds the embryos, frozen oocytes, and sperm is one of the most critical and sensitive aspects of patient care, where even minor errors can result in devastating losses. Based on research led by Dr. Zev Williams, Columbia University Fertility Center sought a proactive, innovative approach to safeguard reproductive materials and increase operational efficiency.
In partnership, IDENTI Medical and Columbia co-developed an AI-powered, wireless, weight-based cryostorage monitoring system that provides a second, independent layer of protection alongside temperature monitoring. By detecting nitrogen-level changes through weight long before temperature shifts occur, the system delivers faster, earlier alerts and sets a new benchmark for cryogenic storage safety.
CHALLENGE
Cryostorage tanks used in fertility treatment maintain ultra-low temperatures, often below -170°C, to preserve reproductive materials. These specialized tanks, typically insulated containers with liquid nitrogen, must maintain stable, supercooled conditions to suspend cellular activity and prevent degradation, preserving reproductive materials for future use in IVF or other procedures.
Historically, across the field, most monitoring systems relied on temperature sensors to detect nitrogen loss. However, temperature rises occur only after substantial liquid nitrogen loss, often leaving staff with limited time to intervene.
Columbia University Fertility Center identified a crucial insight: weight changes in cryogenic tanks occur far earlier than temperature fluctuations. When used in combination, weight-based cryostorage monitoring and temperature monitoring create a stronger, more predictive safety system that signals risk before it becomes critical.
Compounding this need, Columbia manages 60–70 cryogenic tanks (bins) in its clinic. At this scale, relying on manual checks or single-signal monitoring can introduce operational risk and increase the potential for human error. A more automated, reliable, and scalable system was essential.
Early scale prototypes were wired, difficult to reposition, and consumed valuable floor space. Recognizing the need for a more adaptable and clinic-friendly solution, Columbia and IDENTI collaborated to develop a wireless, highly mobile, and fully integrated weight-monitoring system optimized for real-world use.
SOLUTION
Columbia University Fertility Center partnered with IDENTI Medical as a health-tech partner, given IDENTI’s experience in developing advanced automated digital weight technology. Together, they set out to design a wireless, weight-based cryostorage monitoring system that combined automation, early-warning detection, and intuitive usability, integrating a low-profile floor scale with RFID communication and embedded Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology to deliver a highly automated monitoring experience. The system was developed specifically to complement, not replace, temperature monitoring, giving the clinic two independent indicators of nitrogen changes.
Several key features were identified as necessary for the scale’s success:
- Real-time alerts: Automatic email and SMS notifications when the weight decreases by selected thresholds
- Custom wireless scale hardware: Patent-backed floor scales designed for fertility tanks
- Clear visibility: Electronic paper display (EPD) tags on the scale show updated tank status at a glance
- Simple app-based management: NFC–enabled scale system allows staff to tap a mobile phone to the tag to connect directly to the app to reduce manual efforts
- Cloud-based analytics: Collects historical data, tracks trends, and customizes alerts
The scale is designed to work alongside existing temperature monitoring, giving clinics two independent, synchronized methods for tracking tank stability.
Reduced workload with fast tank setup and tracking via a tap-and-go mobile app
The tap-and-go technology incorporates two key differentiating features that significantly improve team workflows: NFC connectivity, which enables immediate, on-the-spot connection to the tank, and an easy-to-use app that
provides all essential features required to fully manage the process. Together, they deliver an intuitive and elegant experience, adding a new level of simplicity to system management.
PROCESS
To bring this solution to life, Columbia and IDENTI followed a structured process, ensuring the system met Columbia’s high standards for safety and usability.
1. Needs Assessment
Columbia University Fertility Center and IDENTI collaborated to identify critical requirements, focusing on earlier detection than temperature alarms, enhanced automation, and intuitive day-to-day usability. The team evaluated common failure scenarios and determined the key features needed for proactive monitoring.
2. System Design
IDENTI custom-built a flexible floor scale using patented wireless weight technology. The design eliminated cumbersome wiring and was engineered to integrate seamlessly with Columbia’s existing workflows. Close collaboration between engineers and clinical staff ensured the system was both precise and user-friendly.
3. Pilot Testing
The system underwent a rigorous pilot trial against traditional temperature-based alarms in multiple real-world scenarios, including catastrophic events and neglected tanks. These trials validated the technology’s reliability and early-warning capabilities.
4. Implementation
Columbia deployed smart scales across its storage room, connecting them to IDENTI’s app with a cloud-based monitoring and alert system. Staff received training in setup, refill logging via NFC tap, and alert management. The automated workflows significantly reduced manual effort.
5. Ongoing Optimization
With AI-powered analytics, Columbia continuously monitors performance, adjusts alert thresholds, and leverages historical data for proactive tank management. This iterative process ensures the system remains responsive, reliable, and aligned with evolving operational needs.
“Weight loss is the earliest measurable indicator of cryogenic failure. The scales can detect an issue more than 30 days before temperatures begin to rise—well before temperature alarms are triggered—giving the team enough time to take action.” – Dr. Williams
RESULTS
IDENTI conducted trials with the new scales, demonstrating that weight-based cryostorage monitoring can detect changes in nitrogen levels much sooner than traditional temperature monitoring:
- Early Warning in Catastrophic Scenario: In a simulated tank breach, a 10% weight drop, from 30.76 kg to 28.61 kg, triggered a “Fill” alert through the IDENTI platform within just two hours. By the 12-hour mark, the tank’s temperature had risen only four degrees, yet it was half its original weight. It was not until nearly 25 hours after the breach that the temperature climbed to -170°C and triggered the first temperature-based fill alarm, at which point the tank’s weight had dropped to only 6 kg.
- Simulated Neglected Tanks: Two tanks left without intervention showed a steady weight decline of 3kg, prompting staff alerts. Throughout the trial, while the weight dropped, the temperature remained stable at −196°C until the very end, demonstrating that weight alerts appear much earlier. The scales detected a problem more than 30 hours before temperatures started to rise.
“With the AI-powered smart scale, tank refill events are logged automatically, eliminating the need for routine manual monitoring and documentation. Saving staff time and allowing a greater focus on higher-value clinical priorities.” – Dr. Williams
KEY BENEFITS
The addition of IDENTI’s weight-based cryostorage monitoring solutions delivered several measurable advantages to Columbia:
1. Earlier risk detection and reduced likelihood of material loss
Weight-based alerts identify nitrogen depletion well before any measurable temperature drop, providing critical time to intervene.
2. Improved compliance and complete digital recordkeeping
Automated refill logging via app by tapping mobile phone on NFC-powered scale – thereby eliminating manual entries, strengthening audit trails with digital records, and aligning with regulatory expectations for documentation accuracy.
Enhancing Cryogenic Storage Safety with a Weight-Based Early Warning System
A wireless, AI-powered, weight-based monitoring system designed to operate alongside existing temperature monitoring as a second, fully independent safety layer—reducing single-point-of-failure risk. By adding weight-based monitoring, the system enables an earlier, more proactive, and more accountable approach, replacing reactive responses with predictive risk management.
The scale includes an integrated tap-and-go feature, operated via a mobile app using NFC technology, enabling automated digital tracking of tanks and seamless installation of new tanks with a simple smartphone tap. This eliminates manual logging of tank refills and management tasks, saving staff time and reducing human errors.
3. Operational efficiency and fewer manual errors
With 60–70 tanks onsite, automated weight-based monitoring replaces manual spot checks and single-signal oversight, reducing operational complexity and minimizing the risk of missed or inconsistent inspections.
4. Enhanced employee experience
By eliminating repetitive monitoring tasks and manual refill documentation, the system reduces cognitive load and alert fatigue, freeing staff to focus on patient care and higher-value clinical priorities.
CONCLUSION
By integrating IDENTI Medical’s AI-supported, weight-based cryostorage monitoring system, Columbia University Fertility Center has redefined cryogenic storage safety. The addition provides a secondary, independent layer of protection alongside temperature alarms, ensuring earlier detection of potential risks. Beyond safeguarding patient materials, the automated scales reduce manual monitoring, optimize refill efficiency, and generate digital records for quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
This investment also reinforces patient trust and positions Columbia as an innovator, setting new standards for cryogenic storage management, with implications for improving safety across the fertility field. Encouraged by these results, Columbia and IDENTI are now exploring opportunities to share this innovative approach with other clinics, advancing industry standards and patient safety nationwide.
Contact us if you are interested in learning more about IDENTI’s flat scales or weight-based monitoring solutions for automatic tracking and real-time inventory management.
