BIOBANKING
have changed gender in the process (eg Eubacterium lentum became Eggerthella lenta). The Gram-positive taxonomic review resulted in the removal of most former Peptostreptococcus species to novel genera (eg Finegoldia, Anaerococcus, Peptoniphilus). Additionally, several novel species of anaerobic cocci have been described (eg Peptoniphilus harei, Peptoniphilus ivorii). Several novel species have been described in other genera (eg Prevotella, Porphyromonas, Actinomyces). The identification methods used in laboratories have also been revised to accommodate such taxonomic changes. In addition, novel molecular methods
have been developed, such as amplified 16S ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) for identification of Bacteroides, Prevotella and Porphyromonas, and for Actinomyces and other non-sporing Gram-positive bacilli. Consequently, some strains examined in the Microbank storage trial have been redesignated as a result of retrospective identification. By chance, two strains previously included in the Microbank storage trial as Actinomyces species subsequently have been identified as members of these novel species. In summary, the evaluation
demonstrated that Microbank vials are easy to use, compact, maintain viability and, therefore, are convenient for the long-term storage of anaerobic bacteria. The vials are particularly practical for repeated retrieval of strains as they ensure that the same strain is subcultured on each occasion with minimal effort. The UKARU holds a collection of
approximately 85,000 referred isolates dating back to the early 1980s. Isolates received in the past three decades have been stored in Microbank vials. This collection is a valuable resource for retrospective research in fields such as the evaluation of novel identification methods, monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibilities, and development of molecular typing schemes.
Further Reading Baker M, Jeffries P. Use of commercially
available cryogenic vials for long-term preservation of dermatophyte fungi. J Clin Microbiol. 2006;44(2):617-618. doi:10.1128/ JCM.44.2.617-618.2006 Espinel-Ingroff A, Montero D, Martin- Mazuelos E. Long-term preservation of fungal isolates in commercially prepared cryogenic microbank vials. J Clin Microbiol. 2004;42(3):1257-1259. doi:10.1128/ JCM.42.3.1257-1259.2004 Feltham RK, Power AK, Pell PA, Sneath PA. A simple method for storage of bacteria at -76 degrees C.
April 2026
WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM 27
J Appl Bacteriol. 1978;44(2):313-316. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2672.1978.tb00804.x Microbank World Wide Performance Portfolio – 5th edn. (Pro-Lab Diagnostics, 2023) htps://
pro-lab.co.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2019/08/Microbank-World-Wide- Performance-Portfolio-2024-small.pdf Moyes A, Young H. Storage and repeated recovery of Neisseria gonorrhoeae using cryovials. Br J Biomed Sci. 1995;52(1):19-21. Seidel KE, Gareis M. Efficiency of microbank systems for the conservation of microorganisms relevant to veterinary medicine and others which are not easy to cultivate (in German). Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr. 1995;108(6):215-220. United Kingdom Accreditation Service. Accreditation of Biobanking. (UKAS, 2025)
www.ukas.com/accreditation/about/ developing-new-programmes/development- programmes/biobanking/ Veguilla W, Peak KK, Luna VA, et al. Two-
year study evaluating the potential loss of methicillin resistance in a methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus culture collection. J Clin Microbiol. 2008;46(10):3494- 3497. doi:10.1128/JCM.00654-08
Mark Reed is the General Manager of Pro-Lab Diagnostics Europe, the company he co-founded in 1989 with Robert Rae, President of the Pro- Lab Group of Companies. Since then the Pro-Lab Group has grown considerably throughout the world, offering a continually expanding range of diagnostic kits and reagents for microbiology, immunology and virology, and laboratory automation. In addition to the Microbank system, Pro-Lab’s biobanking product portfolio includes the NEO sample management system.
Pro-Lab Diagnostics 0151 353 1613
uksupport@pro-lab.co.uk www.pro-lab.co.uk
PPi
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56
