Inexpensive Liquid Nitrogen Container
February 2002
in “
Dermatologic Surgery
”
TLDR A cheap stainless steel container from a retail store can store liquid nitrogen effectively for 8-12 hours, saving money for medical practitioners.
The document presents an inexpensive alternative for storing liquid nitrogen, which is commonly used in dermatological procedures like cryotherapy. The authors suggest using a high-quality stainless steel hot-cold liquid container from retail stores, which costs around $14, instead of the specialized containers from medical supply companies that cost between $36-$45. They tested an ordinary steel container and found it insulated liquid nitrogen effectively for 8-12 hours, comparable to medical supply containers. The ordinary container also has a vent to prevent pressure buildup, similar to the medical supply versions. This cost-effective solution is particularly useful for practitioners who use a cotton-tipped applicator for cryosurgery and can be beneficial in multi-specialty clinics, during military deployment, or when specialized equipment is not available. The authors acknowledge Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman for inspiring the article.