IHHN to establish Pakistan’s First Bulk Liquid Nitrogen Facility

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its biorepository infrastructure, the Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) is set to establish a bulk Liquid Nitrogen (LN₂) storage system—a concept not yet implemented at this scale in Pakistan.

A dedicated space for the system has been identified at IHHN’s new building in Korangi, Karachi. This would mark the first-ever automatic LN₂ filling station for LN₂ delivery across multiple storage units. In addition, it would feature real-time monitoring of LN₂ levels, ambient oxygen, and temperature through a centralized control system, allowing for continuous, remote oversight to ensure operational safety and sample integrity.

A fail-safe architecture will be designed to minimize manual intervention while ensuring stable cryogenic conditions. The system’s modular and future-ready design is intended to support expansion as biobanking operations grow.

The proposed system would enhance IHHN’s ability to support long-term biospecimen preservation for a wide range of research areas, including oncology, infectious diseases, and molecular diagnostics.

“ A well-designed cryogenic storage system allows biorepositories to preserve critical samples reliably and efficiently supporting future research and innovation in a range of medical fields.” – IHHN Biorepository Team

In line with this vision, representatives from the IHHN Biorepository team visited Pakistan Oxygen Limited (formerly Linde Pakistan Limited) to evaluate their LN₂ production and storage facility. The visit provided valuable insights into the design and operation of bulk tank systems and associated technologies that could support future cryogenic storage needs at IHHN.

The visit served as an important step in evaluating infrastructure options for future development, guiding the planning process as IHHN works toward enhancing its cryogenic storage capabilities in line with evolving biobanking needs and international standards.