However, maintaining adequate -80°C freezer infrastructure is technically and economically demanding. Many research institutions have storage facilities that fail to meet their needs and lack the flexibility required to support the dynamic demands of scientific research. The risks and costs of maintaining these facilities make outsourcing storage an attractive option for small and large laboratories. Sampled offers robust and secure -80°C storage facilities that respond to clients’ specific needs and give them peace of mind for the long-term storage of precious samples.

This article will explore the critical role of -80°C freezers in modern research, examining their importance in preserving biological samples, the financial considerations involved, and the potential risks of inadequate freezer infrastructure. Additionally, we’ll discuss how Sampled offers a comprehensive solution to these challenges, ensuring sample integrity and enhancing research efficiency.

The Role of -80°C Freezers in Modern Research

Many of the most critical samples and reagents for biomedical research require storage at -80°C. This includes cell lines, biologics, drug compounds, and essential biomolecules like DNA, RNA, and protein^1–3. Robust storage of reagents and samples is crucial to research success, particularly for longitudinal studies where temperature-sensitive samples must be stored for decades. Academic labs, startups, and large life science companies need secure storage for sensitive samples and intellectual property like newly developed cell lines and innovative therapies.

Cost Considerations of -80°C Freezer Facilities

-80°C freezer infrastructure is costly to install and maintain. Modern -80°C freezers can cost over $10,000, depending on their size, and consume a significant amount of energy depending on different characteristics like age⁴. As a result, laboratory budgets are highly sensitive to changes in fluctuating energy prices and geopolitical instability. Furthermore, -80°C freezers require regular maintenance by trained personnel. In smaller research laboratories, responsibility for -80°C freezer maintenance often falls to research staff, which means highly-trained personnel spend too much time on freezer upkeep and less time performing experiments and driving innovation. Laboratory managers may look to sidestep these costs by opting for hand-me-down -80°C freezers from other laboratories or neglecting freezer maintenance altogether. However, these “solutions” pose severe risks, endangering sample integrity and jeopardizing entire research projects.

Risks of Inadequate -80°C Freezer Storage

Inadequate -80°C freezer infrastructure not only risks sample degradation but also exposes laboratories to regulatory violations and potential health hazards for their staff⁵. -80°C freezers introduce several risks into laboratories, including slipping, freezing, and tripping hazards. The latter is particularly salient in institutes lacking a dedicated freezer room, where bulky -80°C freezers must be stored alongside sensitive lab equipment in high-traffic areas.

As cell lines, biologics, and other therapies requiring -80°C storage become more prevalent, regulatory requirements for -80°C infrastructure are expected to become more stringent and comprehensive. Thus, in addition to having robust systems that ensure freezers remain at the appropriate temperature, researchers will require more detailed documentation that proves samples and therapies have been properly stored.

Sampled’s -80°C Storage Infrastructure

At Sampled, we maintain 600 mechanical -80°C freezers, with the capacity to support up to 1,000 individual freezers, all aligned with International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) standards⁶. We maintain a rigorous security system for our -80°C freezer infrastructure, including individual alarms for each freezer and real-time monitoring so we always know what is happening with our clients’ samples. Furthermore, our entire storage facility can be run from a single generator, and we have four backup generators to ensure our clients’ samples are always stored appropriately.

We also provide a disaster recovery service, where our team will retrieve your temperature-sensitive samples or entire -80°C freezer setup and transfer them to our facility for secure storage. Sampled’s storage solutions offer a cost-effective, risk-free way to securely store even the most valuable samples and have earned the trust of government bodies and private sector corporations alike.

Conclusion

Maintaining optimal -80°C freezer storage is crucial yet challenging for research institutions. With high costs and operational risks, many labs struggle to preserve sample integrity in the long term. Sampled addresses these challenges with a reliable and secure storage solution, offering comprehensive infrastructure and monitoring aligned with rigorous international standards. Our services not only mitigate the risks and costs of in-house freezer management but also ensure peace of mind for researchers, safeguarding valuable samples essential for advancing scientific projects.

References

1. Comstock GW, Burke AE, Norkus EP, Gordon GB, Hoffman SC, Helzlsouer KJ. Effects of Repeated Freeze-Thaw Cycles on Concentrations of Cholesterol, Micronutrients, and Hormones in Human Plasma and Serum. Am J Epidemiol. 2008;168(7):827-830. doi:10.1093/aje/kwn327

2. Kellman BP, Baghdassarian HM, Pramparo T, et al. Multiple freeze-thaw cycles lead to a loss of consistency in poly(A)-enriched RNA sequencing. BMC Genomics. 2021;22(1):69. doi:10.1186/s12864-021-07381-z

3. Shao W, Khin S, Kopp WC. Characterization of Effect of Repeated Freeze and Thaw Cycles on Stability of Genomic DNA Using Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis. Biopreservation Biobanking. 2012;10(1):4-11. doi:10.1089/bio.2011.0016

4. Gumapas LAM, Simons G. Factors affecting the performance, energy consumption, and carbon footprint for ultra low temperature freezers: case study at the National Institutes of Health. WRSTSD. 2013;10(1/2/3):129. doi:10.1504/WRSTSD.2013.050786

5. Laboratory NRC (US) C on PP in the. Working with Laboratory Equipment. In: Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Management of Chemical Hazards: Updated Version. National Academies Press (US); 2011. Accessed October 11, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK55884/

6. ISBER. Accessed October 28, 2024. https://isber.org

ISBER’s Mission and Global Impact

Mike Thurogood: Can you provide an overview of ISBER’s mission and how it supports the global biobanking community?

Dana Cooper: “ISBER is dedicated to advancing the expertise and quality of biorepositories and biobanking science worldwide. We support the global biobanking community by fostering collaboration, creating education and training opportunities, providing a forum for the dissemination of state-of-the-art policies, processes, and research findings, and offering an international showcase for innovative technologies, products, and services.”

Key Components of ISBER’s Best Practices for Repositories

Mike Thurogood: What are the key components of ISBER’s Best Practices for Repositories, and how do they enhance the quality and reliability of biobanked samples?

Dana Cooper: “The ISBER Best Practices, Fifth Edition, is the definitive global guide for managing and operating biobanks. These practices are either evidence-based or consensus-based and cover the collection, long-term storage, retrieval, and distribution of specimens. They promote the availability of high-quality biological and environmental specimens for future research. The fifth edition has been significantly revised based on user feedback, and it incorporates the Cryo addendum previously published for the fourth edition.”

Promoting Standardization and Innovation through Collaboration

Mike Thurogood: How does ISBER collaborate with other organizations and institutions to promote standardization and innovation in biobanking?

Dana Cooper: “ISBER is a global organization with membership and contributors from around the world. Our annual and regional meetings feature insights from diverse geographical locations. We collaborate with many biobanking consortia globally, which helps us stay aware of and contribute to the global biobanking community. This international collaboration promotes standardization and innovation in biobanking.”

Addressing Challenges in Biorepositories

Mike Thurogood: What are some common challenges faced by biorepositories today, and how do ISBER’s guidelines help address these issues?

Dana Cooper: “As biobanking grows worldwide, challenges include maintaining quality and standards, recognizing the value of biobanking, and securing systemic support for biobanks. ISBER’s activities and products, such as the Best Practices Fifth Edition and our educational programs, promote quality in biorepository operations and standardize specimen management. This helps biobanks address these challenges effectively.”

Conclusion

Our interview with Dana Cooper, MBA, BKin, CAE, Executive Director of ISBER, highlighted ISBER’s crucial role in advancing global biobanking expertise and quality. ISBER’s comprehensive best practices guide ensures the reliability of biobanked samples, supporting scientific research and medical advancements. Through international collaboration, ISBER promotes standardization and innovation, addressing challenges such as maintaining quality standards and securing systemic support. As a proud long-standing Gold ISBER member, we value ISBER’s significant impact on the biobanking landscape and appreciate Dana Cooper’s insights into this evolving field.

If you have any questions about ISBER or are interested in learning more please visit the ISBER website here.

It is well recognized that suboptimal preservation and long-term storage conditions can impact sample quality⁽¹⁾, therefore, it is critical that researchers ensure biosamples are stored in appropriate conditions such as Ultra Low Temperature Storage (ULT Storage) so the samples can be accessed and used in future research.

What is ULT Storage?

ULT Storage environments typically range from -80°C mechanical freezers all the way down to -196°C liquid nitrogen storage tanks. The exact storage temperature recommended can vary depending on sample type, preparation and intended use – generally speaking, the more sensitive the sample, the lower the storage temperature required.

Maintaining ULT Storage is a complex operation, especially when performed to ISBER Best Practices such as;

• Monitoring, recording and review of critical parameters.
• Backup power and/or alternate cooling systems alongside emergency response planning.
• Storage systems should be equipped with redundancy.

Outsourcing ULT Storage of biological samples in our Global Integrated Analytical Biorepository can help simplify these complexities for researchers as well as benefitting from; financial flexibility, expertise, new technology, operational efficiency, quality assurance and disaster recovery and focusing on research aims.

Understanding ULT Storage

ULT storage is critical for maintaining the integrity of biological samples, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, and cells. It involves keeping samples at extremely low temperatures to prevent metabolic processes and biochemical reactions that could degrade the samples. Typically, ULT storage temperatures range from -80°C, commonly used in laboratory freezers, to -196°C, achieved using liquid nitrogen storage systems. These temperatures ensure that biological materials are effectively “frozen in time,” preserving their structure and function for long-term use​.

Financial Benefits of Outsourcing ULT Storage

Outsourcing ultra-low temperature (ULT) storage could transform significant capital expenditures (CAPEX) into manageable operational expenditures (OPEX), allowing research institutions to avoid the high costs of purchasing and maintaining expensive equipment as well as energy consumption. This shift enhances financial flexibility by spreading costs over time and freeing up capital for other essential projects, aiding in better financial planning and resource allocation.

Furthermore, outsourcing ULT storage reduces financial risks associated with equipment maintenance, technological obsolescence, and regulatory compliance. Leveraging specialized storage providers ensures advanced infrastructure and expertise without the burden of costly upgrades and repairs, offering scalable solutions that adapt to changing research needs without significant financial strain.²

Expertise in Sample Management

Sampled specializes in ULT storage and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to biobank services. We are CAP accredited and operate to ISBER best practices, employing stringent protocols and advanced technologies to manage sample collections and monitor storage conditions of biological materials, ensuring samples are preserved optimally. This professional oversight minimizes the risk of sample loss or degradation due to equipment failure or improper handling​ or when storing biological materials.

Access to Technology

Outsourcing ULT storage gives researchers access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. Sampled continuously upgrades biostorage technologies, ensuring that the latest advancements in cryogenic sample storage are available to researchers.

Sampled invest in the latest technological advancements and methodologies in ULT freezer and cryogenic storage technologies. By outsourcing, researchers benefit from these upgrades without bearing the costs and logistical challenges of updating in-house systems especially cryogenic sample storage infrastructure which can be extremely prohibitive in terms of SIVL line installation and maintenance costs.

Access to Expertise and Efficiency

With over 25 years’ experience in biobank services, Sampled have specialized knowledge and expertise, ensuring optimal long term storage conditions and handling practices. This expertise is crucial in maintaining sample viability and quality, reducing the risk of sample degradation.

Outsourcing to Sampled offers scalable biological sample storage solutions that can adjust to the changing needs of research projects. Whether the storage requirement increases or decreases, Sampled can accommodate these changes without significant investments or disruptions to ongoing research​. We can even offer solutions for entire sample freezer storage (including your own freezers on our sites) freezer boxes or down to the individual primary vessels and create aliquots for backup storage.

Quality Assurance & Disaster Recovery

Outsourcing ultra-low temperature (ULT) storage to Sampled ensures rigorous quality control measures to maintain consistent and reliable storage conditions. These measures include regular inspections, continuous remote monitoring, and thorough maintenance protocols including comprehensive temperature mapping. This attention to detail ensures the integrity, cold chain, viability, and usability of biological samples at a range of storage temperatures for future research endeavors.

By maintaining stringent quality control standards, Sampled can mitigate against potential sample degradation and loss, ensuring that the biological material maintain integrity. This reliability is critical for the success of long-term research projects, as it guarantees that stored samples will retain their necessary properties and data integrity over extended periods even in cryostorage.

Another key for disaster recovery is the availability of on-site technical services teams, redundant systems and backup generators. Our Global Integrated Analytical biorespository was design with all these features based on over 25 years experience storing biological samples to ensure the optimal environment.

Focus on Research Aims

By outsourcing ULT storage, research institutions can allocate more resources to their core research activities. This shift allows researchers to focus on their scientific inquiries rather than the logistical challenges of managing ULT storage systems for biological materials​.

Conclusion

Outsourcing ULT storage to Sampled can offer significant benefits, including financial flexibility, expertise, new technology, operational efficiency, quality assurance and disaster recovery and focusing on research aims. By leveraging the expertise of the team here at Sampled, researchers can ensure the long-term preservation of their valuable biological samples while focusing on their core scientific activities. If you are considering outsourcing your ULT storage needs for biological samples, you can learn more about our Global Integrated Analytical Biorepository and biobanking services here.

References:

1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263014433_Storage_of_Human_Biospecimens_Selection_of_the_Optimal_Storage_Temperature
2. https://academic.oup.com/femsre/article/29/5/897/547905

In this article we will look at how safe and correct storage of samples is crucial from the nascent stages of drug discovery to post-market surveillance and how Sampled’s biorepository services can play a pivotal role in advancing medical breakthroughs.

1. Role of biobanking in early Research and Development:

In the initial stages of drug discovery, researchers must rely on access to high-quality biological specimens to unravel the underlying mechanisms of diseases and identify potential therapeutic targets. Sampled’s biobanking infrastructure serves as a vital resource, enabling researchers to securely store and access a diverse array of samples, including:

• DNA/RNA
• Whole blood
• Serum
• Saliva
• Urine
• Stool
• Hair
• Cell pellets
• Protein Samples

By providing centralized storage facilities equipped with state-of-the-art preservation technologies, Sampled empowers researchers to accelerate the pace of discovery and validation of novel drug candidates as well as biomarker discovery. Furthermore, our secure facilities are monitored 24 hours a day, all year round with multiple backup power generators to ensure their security and integrity.

2. Preclinical Testing:

As drug candidates progress through preclinical testing, the demand for well-characterized biological samples becomes increasingly critical. Sampled holds both CAP and CLIA licenses so that our biorepository sample storage services facilitate the procurement and distribution of meticulously annotated specimens, thereby streamlining preclinical studies and enhancing the reproducibility of research outcomes. Additionally, by offering customizable sample management and biobanking solutions, Sampled enables researchers to optimize experimental protocols and improve the predictive value of preclinical models, ultimately reducing the risk of late-stage drug failures.

3. Clinical Trials:

Throughout the clinical trial phase, the availability of high-quality biospecimens is indispensable for assessing drug safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics. Sampled’s expertise in sample collection, processing, and biosample storage ensures compliance with stringent regulatory requirements while maintaining sample integrity and traceability. By leveraging Sampled’s comprehensive biobanking infrastructure, pharmaceutical companies can mitigate the logistical challenges associated with multi-site clinical trials, streamline sample logistics, and enhance data quality, thereby expediting the development timeline and reducing costs.

The ability to package, transport and store samples in a systematic and highly structured manner by following best practices gives researchers the confidence that their sample’s integrity is intact which means the data generated from them is accurate and reproducible. Furthermore, our ability to scale to meet your sample storage needs through every stage of your clinical trial means that you can focus on what matters most instead of setting up a new, or expanding an existing, biorepository. 

4. Post-Market Surveillance:

Even after a drug/therapeutic has been approved for market release, the need for continuous monitoring of safety and efficacy remains paramount. Sampled’s biobanking services extend beyond the realm of drug development and supports post-market surveillance initiatives aimed at detecting adverse drug reactions, monitoring long-term outcomes, and evaluating real-world effectiveness. By establishing longitudinal sample collections linked to comprehensive clinical data, Sampled empowers researchers to conduct retrospective analyses and identify emerging safety signals, thereby safeguarding public health and informing regulatory decision-making.

Similarly, another consideration to be made for pharmaceuticals is how their archived or legacy sample collections (perhaps through acquisitions or donations) are processed and stored. It is crucial that your documenting and SOPs for storing multiple sample collections is standardized across the entire collection so that sample integrity is prioritized but also so that they are categorized correctly. Failure to properly organize and maintain high uniform storage conditions can result in some sample collections being lost, mislabeled or destroyed by mistake.

In conclusion, Sampled’s biobanking services represent a cornerstone of the drug discovery pipeline, offering versatile solutions that span multiple stages of pharmaceutical research and development. By providing researchers with access to a wide range of storage solutions from ambient storage to -196°C Liquid Nitrogen tanks, coupled with robust infrastructure and tailored support services, Sampled accelerates the pace of innovation and fosters collaboration across the biomedical community. As the search for transformative therapies continues, Sampled remains committed to advancing precision medicine and driving the next wave of scientific breakthroughs.

If you would like to learn more about our Biobanking services, speak to one of our experts today

Q1: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Sampled?

I founded the Sampled Scientific Affairs Department with the mission to provide expert technical resources to clients, discovery and adoption of new technologies and the coordination of outreach initiatives designed to enhance the profile of the company. After a career as an academic researcher spanning more than two decades, I served as Senior Director of Sample Processing Services at RUCDR Infinite Biologics (now Sampled), with oversight of all sample processing services relating to blood fractionation, cell and stem cell culture and nucleic acid extraction. I’m proud to have been a member of the team that established the SAMPLED SARS-CoV2 testing lab, serving the states of New Jersey and Minnesota as well as many sites across the United States.

Q2: Can you tell us what biobanking involves and why it’s so important to store your samples correctly?

Genetic studies designed to elucidate the causes of human disorders with the goal of developing treatments depend on the collection and analysis of large numbers of biological samples of utmost quality.   At the heart of the process, Biobanking involves the collection, processing, storage, and distribution of these samples for research, clinical, or diagnostic purposes. It’s crucial to store samples correctly to maintain their integrity and viability over time. Correct processes leading up to meticulous storage protocols ensure that researchers have access to high-quality samples for current and future studies. Incorrect storage conditions can compromise sample quality, leading to inaccurate results and potentially undermining the validity of research findings. Therefore, storing samples in controlled environments with monitored temperature and security measures is essential to preserve their biological properties and maximize their utility for scientific inquiry.

Q3: What is involved in setting up a high quality, functional biobank? What can researchers expect?

Setting up a high-quality, functional biobanking operations requires careful planning, investment in infrastructure, and adherence to stringent quality standards. Researchers can expect a comprehensive process that includes:

Facility Design: Designing a biobank facility involves considerations such as layout optimization, temperature control systems, security protocols, and backup power supply to ensure uninterrupted sample storage. This means securing a large space within your facility in order to house all of the equipment and samples.

Equipment Acquisition: Procuring specialized equipment such as ultra-low temperature freezers, liquid nitrogen tanks, and automated sample handling systems is essential for maintaining sample integrity and accessibility.

Quality Management Systems: Implementing robust quality management systems, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality control measures, and documentation protocols, is crucial for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining sample quality.

Data Management: Establishing secure data management systems for tracking sample information, storage locations, and relevant metadata is essential for efficient sample retrieval and traceability.

Staff Training: Providing comprehensive training for staff members involved in sample handling, storage, and management is critical to ensure adherence to standard protocols and best practices.

Overall, researchers should expect a significant time and resource cost in order to establish a biobank that prioritizes sample integrity, regulatory compliance, and efficient sample management.

Q4: What are the advantages of outsourcing sample storage to a service provider such as Sampled?

Outsourcing sample storage to a service provider like Sampled offers several advantages:

Cost Savings: Outsourcing eliminates the need for investing in infrastructure, equipment, and personnel required for in-house sample storage, resulting in cost savings for researchers.

Expertise and Experience: Sampled brings extensive experience and expertise in sample storage and management, ensuring optimal storage conditions and adherence to quality standards. Our track record of support for some of the largest genetic studies in the world, funded by NIH and major pharma, gives our clients the confidence to put their precious and irreplaceable samples in our hands from the point of collection through processing, analysis and sharing with the global community.

Scalability and Flexibility: Sampled’s facilities are equipped to accommodate varying sample volumes and storage requirements, providing researchers with scalable and flexible storage solutions.

Risk Mitigation: By outsourcing sample storage, researchers mitigate risks associated with equipment failure, natural disasters, and regulatory non-compliance, as Sampled assumes responsibility for maintaining sample integrity and security.

Focus on Core Research Activities: Outsourcing sample storage allows researchers to focus on their core research activities, without the burden of managing sample storage logistics.

Q5: Tell us why Sampled has positioned itself to be the world’s only Global Integrated Analytical Biorepository (GIAB) and what impact that has on researchers?

Sampled has positioned itself as the world’s only Global Integrated Analytical Biorepository (GIAB) by integrating sample storage with analytical capabilities, providing researchers with comprehensive “end to end” solutions for sample management and analysis. This integration enables researchers to access not only stored samples but also analytical services such as sample characterization, biomarker discovery, and genomic sequencing within the same facility.

By offering a one-stop solution for sample storage and analysis, Sampled streamlines the research process, reduces turnaround times, and enhances research efficiency. This integrated approach empowers researchers with a deeper understanding of their samples and facilitates translational research efforts, ultimately accelerating scientific discovery and innovation. As a result, Sampled’s GIAB model has a profound impact on researchers by providing them with comprehensive support and resources to advance their research goals effectively.

If you want to learn more about our biobanking services, contact one of our experts here

What is Cryogenic Storage?

Cryogenic storage involves storing and maintaining biological samples at ultra-low temperatures, typically within liquid nitrogen cryo-tanks or dewars. Cryogenic storage facilities should maintain stringent conditions to ensure the long-term viability of stored samples. Incorrectly storing or maintaining these samples can lead to irreversible loss of sample integrity and the loss of irreplaceable samples. Typically, a well-maintained storage facility should include:

Cryogenic Temperature tanks/dewars: Samples to be stored at temperatures below -190 degrees Celsius require specialized cryopreservation containers to be housed in. This prevents biological activity, including cell metabolism, and slows down chemical reactions ensuring the samples remain stable.

Controlled Environments: Storage facilities should be equipped with advanced monitoring and control systems to regulate temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. This precision ensures the samples are kept in optimal conditions for extended periods. Monitoring these conditions is crucial, especially for samples that are part of clinical trials as the temperature log data for the samples will be audited by a regulatory body such as the FDA.

Secure Infrastructure: Cryogenic storage facilities must be designed with robust security measures, including access controls and monitoring systems, to safeguard against unauthorized access and potential hazards. Having the appropriate infrastructure set up, as is seen in the Global Integrated Analytical Biorepository is in line with the latest ISBER Best Practices.

Backup Systems and Disaster Recovery: To mitigate the risk of equipment failure, reputable cryogenic storage providers implement redundant systems and backup protocols in the event of disaster. This ensures the continuity of sample preservation even in the event of technical issues. This is crucial for organizations who are carrying out clinical trial work.

Continuous Monitoring and On-site Technical Services: Advanced monitoring technologies need to be employed to keep a constant check on the condition of stored samples. This includes real-time temperature monitoring, alarms for deviations, and regular system checks to guarantee the integrity of the stored biological materials. If there is an issue on-site technical services can move samples to back-up systems whilst pre-written disaster recovery plans are executed.

Advantages of Outsourcing Cryogenic Storage:

Expertise and Compliance:

Outsourcing to a Global Integrated Analytical Biorepository such as Sampled ensures that your samples are stored in compliance with industry standards and regulations such as CAP/CLIA. We possess the necessary expertise to handle various types of biological materials, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Cost-Efficiency:

Establishing and maintaining an in-house cryogenic storage facility involves significant upfront costs, including equipment, infrastructure, and personnel training. Outsourcing allows organizations to avoid these expenses and pay for storage services based on their specific needs, leading to cost savings in the long run. Moreover, by saving lab space in your own lab you can focus on the research that matters and reduce your overall footprint.

Focus on Core Competencies:

Outsourcing cryogenic storage enables organizations to focus on their core competencies and research activities. By delegating the responsibility of sample preservation to Sampled, researchers can allocate more time and resources to their primary focus, accelerating innovation and discovery.

Reduced Operational Risks:

Sampled specializes in cryogenic storage as we are equipped to handle the intricacies of sample preservation. By outsourcing sample storage to us, you can reduce the operational risks associated with managing in-house storage facilities. This includes minimizing the risk of equipment failure, sample loss and ensuring data security.

Scalability and Flexibility:

We have the ability to scale to meet your cryogenic storage requirements based on fluctuating research demands. At Sampled we offer customizable storage solutions, allowing researchers to adapt their storage capacity without the need for substantial infrastructure investments.

Outsourcing cryogenic storage is a strategic decision that offers numerous benefits to research organizations that require reliable and secure preservation of biological samples. By entrusting this critical task to us, businesses can leverage expertise, ensure compliance, and focus on their core activities, ultimately advancing research and innovation.

To learn more about how Sampled can support your Cryogenic Storage needs, speak to one of our experts today.

Here are five reasons why it is beneficial to outsource biological sample storage:

1. Cost savings: By outsourcing their sample storage, organizations could save money by eliminating the need for capital expenditure and maintain costly equipment, pay for laboratory personnel, and purchase other supplies. Additionally, as an organization’s sample storage needs grow, they can easily scale up their storage without needing to invest in additional infrastructure.

2. Expertise: Outsourced biological sample storage providers have specialized expertise and experience in the field, making them well-suited to store and manage samples. They are familiar with the complex regulations related to sample storage and can ensure that the samples are stored according to the required protocols.

3. Security: Outsourcing this sample storage ensures that the samples are stored in a secure environment with the necessary security features. The storage provider should have the necessary security measures in place to protect the samples from unauthorized access and potential loss, theft, or damage.

4. Flexibility: Outsourcing biological sample storage allows organizations to access any sample they need, whenever they need it, from anywhere in the world. They can also easily increase or decrease their storage needs as their sample requirements change.

5. Reliability: With an outsourced storage provider, organizations should be confident that their samples are being stored in the best possible environment to ensure sample integrity and condition. The storage provider will have a team of experts and reliable systems in place to ensure that the samples are properly managed and stored.

Application: Biobanking

There are many applications of biological sample storage, one of the most common applications is Biobanking, which is increasingly important for medical research. Biobanking is the collection and storage of biological samples, such as:

• Whole Blood Samples
• Serum
• Hair
• PBMCs
• Stem Cells & IPSC Lines
• Urine
• Tears
• DNA
• Stool
• Breast Milk
• Plasma
• Fingernails
• Sperm
• Histological Samples (including fixed tissue samples)

These samples are collected for use in future research from both healthy individuals and those with a variety of diseases or conditions. Biobanks are important for medical research because they enable researchers to study the genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to the development of diseases.

By analyzing biobanked samples, researchers can gain insight into the causes and progression of disease, as well as potential treatments. These samples can also be used to identify new biomarkers and develop diagnostic tests that can detect diseases before they become clinically apparent. In addition, biobanked samples can be used to identify new therapeutic targets, allowing for the development of more effective treatments.

Overall, biobanking can be an invaluable resource for medical research. By providing researchers with access to large sample collections, biobanking enables researchers to gain insight into the causes and progression of disease, as well as potential treatments. In addition, biobanking samples can be used to identify new biomarkers and develop diagnostic tests, as well as to identify genetic markers that can predict how a patient will respond to a particular treatment. With the help of biobanking samples, researchers can continue to make progress in the fight against disease.

By outsourcing biological sample storage, organizations can benefit from cost savings, expertise, security, flexibility, and reliability. Sampled have been storing biological samples for nearly 25 years and operate one of the largest biorepositories in the world and have a network of global sites with a huge range of genomic, cellular and analysis services. Reach out to our team today to learn how we can support your biological sample storage needs.

Contact us.

November 15, 2022 – Piscataway, NJ – The Chief Scientific Officer at Sampled¹ issued a call to action for greater diversity in clinical trial recruitment and the collection of biosamples in a letter in the current issue of Biopreservation and Biobanking.

The letter by Sheldon et al, “Biobanks and International Initiatives Are Playing a Critical Role in Redressing Historic Inadequacies in Biosample and Data Access from Underrepresented Minority Populations,” states that the development of effective precision medicine tests must have broad representation from Underrepresented Minority (URM) populations in sample collection, processing and analysis.

“Genomic testing is revolutionizing the development of medicines, and Sampled is at the forefront of helping companies and academic institutions to unlock the genetic information that will lead to new treatments and cures,” said, Shareef Nahas, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Sampled. “However, the basis for these advancements lies in the ability of researchers to identify patterns and characteristics from many kinds of genetic profiles. Greater diversity in the collection of biomaterials and biosamples will speed our ability to develop and implement cutting-edge analytical approaches.”

“Biobanks such as Sampled play a critical role in helping to address the historic lack of representation of minority communities in medical research,” said Robin Grimwood, Founder and CEO of Sampled. “For instance, our Minnesota laboratory collaborated with state public health officials to offer free COVID testing to local minority communities. Our focus on public outreach and communication about the importance of testing, along with our ability to combine storage, management, and analytical approaches in one facility made this joint effort with the state health officials a great success.”

Traditionally, as many as 86% of participants in clinical trials have been characterized as being of European descent². Contributors to these racial and ethnic disparities include inadequate clinical trial recruitment programs and mistrust of the medical community by those in minority communities. Dr. Nahaas calls on the biopharma industry to increase outreach to URM communities, and to implement studies and testing in strict compliance with regulations over protected health information, adherence to validated standard operating procedures for processing genomic data and a storage infrastructure designed to safeguard specimen integrity.

You can access the paper here temporarily, after the 8th of decembet please get in touch to receive a copy: Biobanking Diversity Article

About Sampled

Sampled is a next-generation laboratory that unlocks the valuable data in any biological sample. Through our integrated Sampled Lab services, we can Store, Manage, Analyze, Research and Transport biological materials, offering partners a seamless solution for all research samples. Our vision is a world where we make it faster and easier for health innovators to improve human health, with a mission for Sampled Labs to be behind every transformative health innovation. Sampled is headquartered in Piscataway, N.J. with labs across the US and Europe and partner labs in the Netherlands, China and Australia.

Infinity BiologiX LLC, Roylance Stability Storage Limited and Roylance Scientific Limited are doing business as Sampled. For more information, please visit www.sampled.com

In the UK this was the result of a massive surge in demand by almost a quarter in the first half of 2022¹. This property data raises large concerns about the UK’s ability to capitalize on a surge of interest in its life sciences sector. Research director at Bidwells, Sue Foxley, stated that the shortage is worse than anything she has seen before, with many companies being forced to lease office and other commercial space before refitting them as laboratories:

“The government has grand ambitions to transform Britain into a scientific superpower, but the Oxford-Cambridge arc is at threat of becoming a victim of its own meteoric rise, with the unicorns of tomorrow increasingly being locked out of mission-critical R&D space.” she told the Financial Times².

Rentable spaces can see significant wait lists, rigorous vetting processes and high rent rates that challenge start-ups and research groups that wish to expand rapidly. These factors could slow growth and innovation due to a restriction of access to the right resources and technologies³.

In the long term, greater investment in creating laboratory space and offices is required, however this will take a huge amount of investment from governments and organizations and could take many years to complete. Unfortunately, this solution doesn’t help many laboratory managers who are in desperate need of bench space right now. Where time and overheads are an issue, working with an external service provider could be an effective solution for those looking to move their research projects forwards faster.

With facilities across both the US and UK, as well as partner labs in The Netherlands, China and Australia as well as nearly 25 years’ experience in handling biological samples, Sampled are here to support researchers with a range of services.

Why set up your own lab space? Use Sampled Labs Outsourced Biorepository & Lab Services

• Sample Storage
• Sample Management
• Sample Analysis
• Sample Research
• Sample Transport

As one of the worlds largest biorepositories, Sampled store over 11.5 million samples for researchers worldwide that could mitigate the resources and ongoing the ongoing investment that may be required when setting up your own biobank⁴. From small collections provided in a variety of labware formats through to providing storage for your own freezers/LN₂ tanks on our premises, Sampled has the expertise and flexibility to protect sample integrity and chain of custody documentation. Our facilities are also equipped to mitigate risks from environmental factors and feature redundancies such as back-up generators and Liquid Nitrogen supply back-ups.

Saving on floor space and preserving sample integrity are not the only reasons to consider outsourcing services. The value of the insights gained from your biological samples is also dependent on access to the right technologies, Sampled Labs are set up to provide access to a wide range of technology providers such as; Perkin Elmer, Illumina, ThermoFisher, Standard BioTools and many other leading technologies.

If you have biologic samples you need to Store, Manage, Analyze, Research or Transport, Sampled has the facilities and expertise ready to support you today. Get in touch with one of our experts here.

Sources:

1. Bidwells report: https://www.bidwells.co.uk/what-we-think/arc-market-databook-cambridgeshire-offices-and-labs-summer-2021/
2. Financial Times article- Lab space shortage threatens life science boom in Oxford and Cambridge: https://www.ft.com/content/397a75aa-3047-432e-8664-d1974fbb05df
3. Entrepreneur article- The Shortage of Lab Space in the United States Is Stifling Innovation: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/424975
4. Frontiers in Medicine Article – Automated Sample Storage in Biobanking to Enhance Translational Research: The Bumpy Road to Implementation: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338482409_Automated_Sample_Storage_in_Biobanking_to_Enhance_Translational_Research_The_Bumpy_Road_to_Implementation

This license enables our biorepository to handle the following categories of human biosamples:

• Reproductive tissues
• Hematopoietic progenitor cells

This licensing adds to a string of other important certifications, licenses and accreditations that #TeamSampled are proud to hold, as well as following industry best practices from organizations such as ISBER.