The present invention relates to a method of preparing isolated body tissue 10 for cryogenic storage, the method comprising a step of actively infusing the body tissue with a cryoprotectant 20. Preferably the body tissue comprises at least a portion of an umbilical cord and the cryoprotectant comprises dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Also claimed is a method of storing umbilical cord tissue comprising actively infusing umbilical cord tissue with a cryoprotectant and cryogenically storing for at least one year. In another embodiment is a kit for preparing umbilical cord tissue for cryogenic storage, comprising a cryoprotectant and an infusion means for actively infusing the umbilical cord tissue with the cryoprotectant. Active infusion includes the application of a force to the cryoprotectant which provides an increased rate of uptake into the interstitial space of the tissue.
