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As such, ineffective storage can have a significant impact on research and development processes.


The cost of loss


Countless laboratory hours are spent developing valuable samples and many are irreplaceable. Lost samples can result in weeks if not months of lost work and hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Selecting the right cold storage solution, from the refrigerator/freezer through to the tubes and buffers, is therefore critical to ensure proper sample protection.


Sample integrity


Compound degradation and biological activity can impact on the experimental consistency of downstream screening and validation. A storage unit may be accessed numerous times throughout any screening campaign - a heat load such as warm samples placed inside the freezer, together with multiple access, can have a major effect on overall cabinet temperature. It is important, therefore, that units can effectively maintain a uniform low temperature in the face of an increasing heat load and show effective heat removal capabilities. Today’s -20°C and ULT laboratory freezers aim to consistently maintain low temperatures and ensure maximum temperature recovery. Good insulation and door seals, as well as a well carefully planned interior design help to maintain temperature during a power failure.


Storage solutions


The new generation of cold storage units must not only provide the ultimate in sample protection, but also energy efficiency. The precise refrigeration systems and temperature controls required for sample storage and integrity have traditionally necessitated higher power consumption. However, advances in compressor technology, combined with improvements in electronic controls, have now seen around a 20% improvement in efficiency over the past few years. Both liquid and vapor phase liquid nitrogen dewars provide an environmentally-friendly, cost- effective method of cryopreservation. Requiring minimal energy, they can be tailored to specific protocols, ensuring long term storage at below -130°C, while allowing efficient sample retrieval.


Increasing efficiency


Ideally, samples should be aliquoted and stored in freezers as a library of viable samples to eliminate the chances of sample deterioration and potential contamination. Individual aliquots can then be thawed for immediate experimental use. However, this practice is not convenient for all laboratories, due to cost or space restrictions there may be situations where samples must be stored in larger aliquots. 2D barcodes, therefore, must be readable for samples that undergo regular freeze-thaw cycles.


Tubes that have been manufactured with a barcode are permanently tagged in order to provide each laboratory with a secure and reliable tracking method. The tubes can then be scanned with a reader and integrated into automatic tube storage systems. This barcoding reduces the occurrence of sample misidentification, cross-contamination and multiple uses of the same tag, as well as providing an excellent method to monitor inventory. Barcoded data provides the user with a level of assurance as to the exact contents of each sample tube, thus eliminating the possibility of thawing and then sampling from incorrect tubes. Since unnecessary thawing may adversely affect the viability of some substances and the addition of the wrong reagent to a reaction may result in inconsistent data, hazardous or detrimental effects, barcoding can significantly increase laboratory efficiency. As such, using 2D barcoded tubes for laboratory sample management prevents mistakes, improves safety and helps to streamline laboratory operations.


Sample labelling


Traditionally, sample tubes have been labelled using hand-written codes. However, due to the nature of the storage conditions, in combination with maintaining an accurate system for tracking each code, there are a number of potential issues that could be detrimental to resulting data.


Sample misidentification


After long-term storage, numbering can significantly fade and there is the possibility that with increasing freeze-thaw cycles, labels will become unreadable or simply fall off. This can lead to users being unaware of tube content and as a result, the wrong sample may be used.


This could have serious consequences where studies may have to be re-run for compliance, data or drug safety issues. Readability must therefore be maintained under typical storage conditions, so the label needs to be resistant to a wide range of chemicals and abrasives as well as extremely low temperatures.


Different sample types can be subjected to a variety of conditions, depending on the best method for maintaining sample viability and integrity; typically multiple freezing and thawing cycles from storage at -80°C or in vapour phase liquid nitrogen, and boiling and cooling cycles.


Multiple coding


Ensuring every sample within a laboratory is assigned a unique, individual code is dependent upon each researcher using the storage system to effectively log and communicate their coding. There is always a possibility that two or more samples could be tagged with the same code within a user-generated system shared by multiple users, If these are not accurately maintained and checked each time, this could lead to confusion and delays in important assays.


2D datamatrix codes


In order to avoid such issues, globally unique 2D datamatrix barcodes can be permanently attached to the base of each storage tube, either via direct laser- etching or encapsulation, ensuring optimal viability is maintained for consistent readability. This provides both secure rack and tube traceability, regardless of the storage system used.


The information contained within the barcode can subsequently be integrated with ease into sample storage archives such as spreadsheet-type databases or laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Tubes can be scanned and decoded immediately without removing them from the rack and data associated with each tube. This allows quick and easy individual sample retrieval and instant identification of tube contents. In addition samples can be tracked and identified during all stages with secure identification of archived samples.


Conclusion


Drug discovery and life science research programs have become more complex and diverse, requiring a major investment of capital, human resources and technical expertise. They can also require strict adherence to GLP and GMP regulations, which demands accurate and reproducible data at all stages.


In the drug discovery sector for example, a sample management failure at any stage could pose a risk to clinical trials results, intellectual property, and FDA approval, with any delay potentially leading to a loss of millions of dollars. Selecting the most efficient laboratory equipment is therefore critical.


Advances in storage technology have resulted in more efficient sample management. For example, on the refrigeration design side, improvements in insulation, compressor and door seal technologies have greatly aided in the maintenance of a desired storage environment. For tube identification, laser-etched or encapsulated 2D datamatrix barcodes, such as the Thermo Scientific 2D barcoded tubes, provide a very secure and robust labelling process that can withstand the rigors of even the most extreme of storage conditions. This also enables the automated retrieval of samples with 100% accuracy.


As a result of such advances, scientists can be assured that viability and integrity are maintained for the entire period of storage and that samples can be correctly and quickly identified for efficient retrieval and subsequent use.


A New Range of Gas Generators for your Lab


Jaytee Biosciences has been appointed by CLAIND as their sole UK and Ireland distributor and service agent for the full range of "Brezza" laboratory gas generators.


Jaytee will use their factory trained team of UK based engineers to support, service and repair the full range of Claind gas generators including both the previous generation and the current ‘Brezza’ products.


“As an HPLC and GC specialist provider for over 35 years, Jaytee have the perfect skill set to service and support CLAIND customers throughout the British Isles. We look forward to applying our professionalism and quality service to a field that crosses over perfectly into our portfolio,” stated John Tiley, Managing Director.


The “Brezza” range includes Nitrogen, Hydrogen, Zero Air and Laboratory grade compressed air generators for the full spectrum of laboratory applications.


CHROMATOGRAPHY Circle no. 574


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