The webinar delivered data-driven insights into the current state of long-read sequencing, with a focus on clinical practice, presented from the perspectives of both a clinician and a medical genomics expert. It is essential viewing for clinical operations managers and organizations seeking to improve diagnostic yield and ensure that their strategies for 2026 are aligned with newer technologies that are cost-effective, practical, and make a meaningful contribution to patient care.

The Importance of Clinical Genomics, and the Missing Pieces

Genetic variation is the root cause of many diseases. While many variants are well characterized and their clinical implications are understood, the genetic causes of many rare and complex conditions remain unknown or only partially elucidated. Single-nucleotide mutations and other small variants play an important role in genetic disease, but they do not tell the full story. Larger variants, including structural variants and repeat expansions, are known contributors to disease, but their full impact on the genetic disease landscape remains poorly understood. Short-read sequencing is highly effective for detecting small genetic variants, but it struggles to resolve larger variants, leaving many patients without a definitive diagnosis and clinicians with limited information with which to guide treatment.

Long-Read Sequencing Comes of Age

Dr. Nahas opened the discussion with an overview of current long-read sequencing technologies, highlighting how the field has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Historically, long-read sequencing has been low-throughput and expensive, and used only for niche applications and small cohort studies. Today, it offers much higher throughput at a lower cost, making it suitable for clinical and commercial applications.

Dr. Nahas explained how long-read sequencing provides accurate detection of different variant classes to support rare and complex disease diagnosis. It is also valuable in pharmacogenomics, where it enables accurate star-allele resolution, and in population genomics, where it enables high-accuracy phasing. Long-read sequencing can significantly improve clinical interpretation and epidemiological insights, especially for populations underrepresented in existing genomics studies. It also excels in preclinical GLP gene-editing assessments, where it helps evaluate clonal stability, detect unintended edits, and generate high-quality reports for regulatory review. In short, it is a powerhouse across commercial, clinical, and translational pipelines, and is already in use by early adopters.

Dr. Nahas also presented a practical framework for implementing long-read whole-genome sequencing (WGS) within CLIA/CAP-regulated clinical environments, including detailed guidance on the analytical validation of short tandem repeat coverage across diverse loci. This section of the webinar is a must-watch for any organization considering adopting long-read WGS into their clinical workflows.

A Clinician’s Perspective on Long-Read Sequencing

In the second part of the webinar, Dr. Ellsworth provided her perspective on long-read sequencing as a clinician working with patients with genetic disorders. Dr. Ellsworth began by highlighting the power of short-read sequencing in rapid clinical genetic testing. She then outlined the limitations of short-read sequencing, including alignment ambiguity caused by high sequence similarity, reduced sensitivity to larger variants, and difficulties detecting repeat expansions and epigenetic features that are critical for the analysis of many neurological disorders.

Dr. Ellsworth presented several practical examples illustrating the contrasting ability of long-read and short-read sequencing to resolve short tandem repeats in clinical samples. Some short-read sequencing reads spanning repeat regions were lower in quality, leading to less reliable variant calls, whereas long-read sequencing provided improved resolution in these regions. Based on these findings, the team at RCIGM recognized the value of incorporating long-read sequencing to improve diagnostic yield and reduce final report turnaround time in certain cases. Dr. Ellsworth and her team now include long-read sequencing as an integrated part of their WGS pipelines for repeat expansion detection.

Making Large-Scale Long-Read Sequencing a Reality

Dr. Nahas and Dr. Ellsworth agreed that the question is no longer whether long-read sequencing belongs in clinical diagnostics, but how it can be integrated without disrupting existing operations. As costs decrease and throughput increases, the application of long-read sequencing is likely to expand significantly in the clinical setting. Laboratories that invest early and maintain flexible sequencing and downstream analysis infrastructure will be best positioned to benefit.

To conclude the webinar, Dr. Nahas and Dr. Ellsworth engaged in an insightful discussion on what it truly takes to implement long-read sequencing at scale, covering critical considerations such as DNA quality and quantity, extraction methods, and the need for purpose-built facilities. Their conversation reinforced that success depends not only on technology, but on robust, CLIA/CAP-compliant frameworks and expert-led processes that integrate seamlessly into existing clinical genomics programs.

Watch the full webinar on-demand now

Ready to try long-read sequencing for yourself?

Sampled is a Certified Service Provider (CSP) for the PacBio Revio and offers end-to-end long-read sequencing services.

Contact our team to see how you can use long-read sequencing to unlock genomic insights and achieve improved outcomes in your clinical or commercial workflows.

Contact our team

Piscataway, NJ – Sampled, an integrated analytical laboratory and biorepository, has partnered with Lighthouse Lab Services to provide scalable laboratory solutions for clients across the biomedical sector.

Research and clinical laboratories are under increasing pressure to deliver more results while working with tighter budgets. Growing a laboratory under these constraints poses significant challenges. Acquiring new laboratory facilities and equipment can stretch budgets, while a lack of resources makes it more challenging to maintain standards and add new services. These factors threaten operations and laboratory performance, with knock-on effects for downstream clients, diagnostic applications, and patients.

Lighthouse Lab Services offers a range of services to help laboratories get started, run efficiently, and expand their operations. Their expertise spans crucial biomedical areas, such as toxicology, pathology, molecular diagnostics, and related fields. Lighthouse Lab Services helps clients achieve efficiency through expert consulting across key areas, such as equipment procurement, recruitment, software, and quality and compliance solutions.

The partnership between Sampled and Lighthouse Lab Services will give clients access to our comprehensive sample processing, storage, multiomics, and cellular services. Outsourcing through this partnership will enable laboratories to scale up their operations without incurring excess capital expenditures for laboratory space and equipment. This will enable labs to grow their capabilities rapidly while controlling costs.

About Sampled

Sampled is a fully integrated laboratory and biorepository with industry-leading storage, sample management, multiomics, cellular services, and custom clinical kitting. Founded in 1999 as RUCDR at Rutgers University, Sampled operates facilities in the US and UK and is CAP accredited and CLIA licensed. Sampled is committed to providing the highest quality sample storage, processing, and analysis services that enable researchers to make new discoveries and advance human health. When combined with state-of-the-art biobanking facilities, these capabilities provide comprehensive scientific solutions that speed time to quality data.

Media Contact

Caroline Mitchell, PhD

Director, Content & Creative Strategy, Sampled

communications@sampled.com

Clinical trials are an increasingly global endeavor. Collaborations between pharmaceutical companies, academic bodies, healthcare institutions, CROs, and CDMOs require a robust, highly regulated infrastructure for storing and distributing IMPs to international sites. Such infrastructure must ensure the safety and security of sensitive materials, achieve timely delivery, and maintain adaptive regulatory compliance.

Companies must partner with a MIA (IMP) licensed provider to meet these demands for import into the UK. This accreditation enables the storage and distribution of IMPs and facilitates the exchange of IMPs with other licensed entities through a Qualified Person. Finding an MHRA-certified partner who meets the highest standards of trust and quality is essential. Choosing the wrong partner can put clinical trials at risk through diminished IMP quality and regulatory non-compliance.

The recent MIA (IMP) license renewal and MHRA certification reinforce Sampled as a trusted, world-class partner for the storage and transport of IMPs. Our scalable storage and distribution solutions are built to support the evolving needs of organizations running global clinical trials, offering a safe, cost-effective, and fully compliant way to store and ship investigational materials through the UK.

“Sampled’s MHRA certification under our renewed MIA (IMP) license cements our global reputation for maintaining the highest standards of quality and control in handling clinical trial materials. On the back of our recent WDA licensing, this accreditation reinforces Sampled as a safe pair of hands for regulated storage and distribution at any scale, vindicating the trust leading pharmaceutical companies place in our capabilities.”

Mike Whatmough

General Manager UK, Europe & Global Technical Services, Sampled

View the press release on PRNewswire

About Sampled

Sampled is a fully integrated laboratory and biorepository with industry-leading storage, sample management, multiomics, cellular services, and custom clinical kitting. Founded in 1999 as RUCDR at Rutgers University, Sampled operates facilities in the US and UK and is CAP accredited and CLIA licensed. Sampled is committed to providing the highest quality sample storage, processing, and analysis services that enable researchers to make new discoveries and advance human health. When combined with state-of-the-art biobanking facilities, these capabilities provide comprehensive scientific solutions that speed time to quality data.

Media Contact

Caroline Mitchell, PhD

Director, Content & Creative Strategy, Sampled

communications@sampled.com

This research involves collecting biospecimens from 7,000 birthing parents and their children to investigate how prenatal and postnatal experiences influence children’s neural, cognitive, behavioral, social, emotional, and health outcomes.

The Impact of Early Experiences and Exposures on Infant Health Outcomes

The development of the human nervous system is a complex process, beginning a few weeks after conception and continuing throughout gestation and long after birth. This development is driven by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, with the late prenatal stage and early infancy marking a period of exceptionally rapid and significant change. Although it is well understood that these factors impact childhood development across biological and social domains, the precise causal relationships between early exposures and subsequent behavior remain unclear. Therefore, gathering diverse data from birthing parents and their children during both prenatal and postnatal stages is essential for uncovering the biological mechanisms that link early-life exposures to developmental outcomes.

In this manuscript, the research team presents the rationale behind the study, detailing the selection of specific biospecimen collections (e.g., blood, saliva, nails) and other tests conducted at various developmental stages (i.e., prenatal, 0–1 month, 3–9 months, 9–15 months). The study design aims to balance the depth of phenotypic information collected with considerations of participant burden and other relevant factors.

EL Sullivan, R Bogdan, L Bakhireva, et al., Biospecimens in the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study: Rationale and protocol, Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Volume 70, 2024, 101451, ISSN 1878-9293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101451.

Cohort Selection

The HBCD study was designed to consider population diversity and specific substance exposures. Accurate representation of the broader population is essential to minimize bias in large cohort studies. At the same time, a key goal of the study is to examine infant exposure to substances such as opioids, marijuana, alcohol, tobacco, and others. To achieve both aims, the researchers organized the cohort into three categories.

1. 50% – Racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse cohort representative of the U.S. population
2. 25% – Pregnant persons with use of targeted substances
3. 25% – Individuals demographically and behaviorally similar to group two but without substance use during pregnancy

All participating birthing parents are between 18 and 50 years of age and will have given birth 12 months before the start of the study.

Parameter Selection

Data is collected from biospecimen analysis (i.e., genomics/epigenomics), questionnaires, interviews, biosensors, behavioral, electroencephalogram (EEG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This enables researchers to link prenatal and postnatal experiences, including:

• Physical health
• Behavior
• Neurocognition/language capabilities
• Neurodevelopment
• Activity and sleep

Biospecimen collection is a central component of the HBCD study, providing researchers with objective insights into various biological mechanisms and exposure to specific target substances. The types of biospecimens to be collected and the rationale for their collection include:

• Blood: To assess biomarkers and environmental exposures in the birthing parent
• Urine: To assess proteins and environmental exposures
• Nails: To index substance exposure
• Saliva: For genetic material and to track epigenetic changes over time
• Stool: To facilitate microbiome studies in child participants

Sampled, a CAP-accredited and CLIA-licensed analytical laboratory and biorepository, performs the ongoing specimen collection logistics, sample storage, and analytical processing.

Implications for Research

The HBCD study aims to generate a comprehensive collection of high-quality biospecimens and associated data for future use by diverse research teams. In addition to providing these resources, the researchers offer guidance on effectively applying the data to various fields, including genomics, nutrition, toxicology, inflammation, microbiome, and metabolomics. The depth and robustness of this data will support a wide range of research areas and help address longstanding questions about how early experiences and exposures influence neurocognitive and behavioral development.

“The design of the HBCD study, pairing the longitudinal collection of extensive phenotypic data with varied biospecimens, will enable researchers to interrogate the complex relationships in child development between genetics, environment and maternal drug exposure using state-of-the-art multiomics approaches including bulk and single cell next generation sequencing, epigenomics, metagenomics, and metabolomics.“

Michael Sheldon, PhD

Dr. Sheldon has a career spanning more than 30 years in genetic research and biobanking. In 2021, he founded the Scientific Affairs department at Sampled with the mission to provide expert technical resources to clients, discovery and adoption of new technologies, and the coordination of outreach initiatives. Prior to that he 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.

Dr. Sheldon received his B.A. from Cornell University in 1983 and a Ph.D. from SUNY at Stony Brook in 1993. He is an Adjunct Professor of Genetics at Rutgers University and is a published researcher in Genetics, Neurodevelopment, and Stem Cell biology.

The Sampled breakout session featured our Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) Shareef Nahas, PhD alongside the CEO and Founder of Nucleus Genomics, Kian Sadeghi. Their discussion covered many sub-topics within the multiomics umbrella, including how genome sequencing has evolved over the last 20 years, where the field is going, and how to bring genomic sequencing to the clinic and make it more widely available to the public.

The Evolution of Multiomic Technologies Over the Last 20 Years

Multiomic techniques are not a recent breakthrough. However, they have yet to reach their full potential. Modern research, including clinical studies, demands the ability to perform multiomics at scale, providing multidimensional insights into patient health before, during, and after treatment. This level of information, including data generated by NGS, opens the door for truly personalized medicine. Ensuring this information can be extracted at scale and with quality requires dedicated infrastructure and expertise.

Achieving Quality at Scale to Drive the Personalized Medicine Revolution

The discussion between Shareef and Kian focused on how to bring the promise of genomics-based medicine to the real world. Part of the solution, they believe, lies in providing the scalability and quality needed for actionable insights at scale.

Their chat covered the early years of omics and is a fascinating discussion of where we have come from and where we are going. Genomics offers valuable insights at both the individual and population levels. Large-scale studies are deepening our understanding of disease, while growing access to genome sequencing, along with improved education about it, empowers individuals to take greater control of their health.

Expanding Access to Genetic Insights

Many diseases have genetic roots, yet 90% of people are unaware they may carry genetic risk factors. This untapped information could empower individuals to take a more proactive approach to their health, improving their long-term wellbeing and lessening the burden on the healthcare system. Early tools like microarrays offer only limited genetic insights, but NGS can now analyze entire genomes at rapidly lowering costs. With recent advances in technology, logistics, and data reporting, NGS insights are more accessible and affordable than ever, bringing us closer to a future where a single cheek swab can reveal a person’s complete genomic health profile.

Shareef and Kian emphasized the need to shift our understanding of genetics, from viewing it as a separate or secondary aspect of medicine to recognizing it as a central component of healthcare, providing essential information for guiding personalized, effective care.

The Need for Technology and Expertise at Scale

A key challenge highlighted during the breakout session was managing the massive volume of data and samples needed to make genome sequencing practical at the population level. Each full genome generates an enormous amount of information that must be accurately analyzed and converted into actionable insights. Scaling personalized genomics to serve a broader population requires advanced logistics, expert sample handling, and high-quality analytical infrastructure, resources that only a few facilities can currently provide. Sequencing is a highly sensitive technique, and maintaining data accuracy is crucial for effective patient care, making expert oversight essential at every stage. To support this level of quality and scale, large, centralized facilities are indispensable.

Watch the Full Summit Online

The GEN Summit highlighted the crucial role of multiomics in the future of healthcare. Here’s a snapshot of the talks you don’t want to miss out on:

Jacob Thaysen, PhD, CEO of Illumina

• How Illumina is driving down the cost of sequencing
• The importance of AI in large cohort studies and multiomics approaches

Cecilia Lindskog, PhD, Research Group Leader at Uppsala University & Fabian Coscia, PhD, Research Group Leader at Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine

• Exciting developments in spatial proteomics for precision medicine
• Mapping the “Human Protein Atlas” to understand health and disease

Robert Meltzer, PhD, Associate Principal Scientist at Illumina

• Enabling single cell RNA sequencing in any lab setup

Clive Brown, Former CTO of Oxford Nanopore Technologies

• Insights from a veteran of nanopore technology

You can watch these sessions, and all of the others, for free online!

Already thinking about your next big multiomics project?

Get in touch with one of our experts today to discover how we can scale your research to generate even greater insights.

Speak to a Multiomics Expert

Safe and scalable product storage is essential for pharmaceutical and medtech companies to consistently meet market demand. However, building and maintaining large storage facilities for drugs, biologics, medical devices, and therapeutic products can drive up operational costs. Many products, such as flu vaccines, are only needed seasonally, leading to underused storage space and unnecessary expenditure. This makes outsourcing a cost-effective alternative to reduce CapEx. However, finding a reliable, WDA-licensed partner with the capacity to manage and store large volumes of inventory can be a significant hurdle.

WDA licensing, regulated by the MHRA, is mandatory for any organisation that stores or distributes human or veterinary medicines in the UK. This license ensures compliance with strict regulations, requiring that medicinal products are handled safely and maintained to high quality standards. WDA ensures customer protection by safeguarding end users from counterfeit products. It also mandates thorough documentation, which must be accurately maintained and stored for a minimum of ten years.

By obtaining WDA licensing, Sampled now offers a powerful new service covering distribution, returns, recalls, and secure long-term storage of medicinal products in two specialised warehouses (Cold 2–8 °C and Controlled Ambient 15–25 °C). This solution is ideal for large pharmaceutical manufacturers and is capable of handling substantial volumes while offering flexibility and reliability. Located on Scotland’s central M8 corridor, Sampled streamlines logistics across the UK and beyond, with key advantages for pharmaceutical and life science companies, including:

• Eliminating CapEx and maintenance costs for new storage facilities
• Scaling with demand so you only pay for what you need
• Remaining up to date with technological advancements and regulatory requirements to ensure enduring quality and compliance

“I am delighted to announce that Sampled has obtained WDA licensing, allowing us to offer extensive outsourced storage and distribution services for pharmaceutical companies operating within the UK. This marks a significant expansion of our storage and logistics offerings, further strengthening our support for life sciences organisations with flexible, compliant, and scalable solutions.”

Mike Whatmough

General Manager UK, Europe & Global Technical Services, Sampled

About Sampled

Sampled is a fully integrated laboratory and biorepository with industry-leading storage, sample management, multiomics, cellular services, and custom clinical kitting. Founded in 1999 as RUCDR at Rutgers University, Sampled operates facilities in the US and UK and is CAP accredited and CLIA licensed. Sampled is committed to providing the highest quality sample storage, processing, and analysis services that enable researchers to make new discoveries and advance human health. When combined with state-of-the-art biobanking facilities, these capabilities provide comprehensive scientific solutions that speed time to quality data.

Media Contact

Caroline Mitchell, PhD

Director, Content & Creative Strategy, Sampled

communications@sampled.com

Piscataway, NJ – Sampled, an integrated analytical laboratory and biorepository, has partnered with the European Bank for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (EBiSC) as the sole distributor of their stem cell line catalog to US researchers.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are the bedrock of many modern research applications. Researchers use them to generate precise disease models for basic research and more precise drug screening applications. iPSC-based therapies are already showing promise in clinical trials for diseases spanning oncology, ophthalmology, hematology/immunology, and neurology. iPSCs are an enduring asset for scientific research, growing in relevance as new technologies and infrastructures facilitate their implementation.

EBiSC is a centralized biobank that maintains iPSCs and their associated data for use by both non-profit and commercial organizations. They currently store over 900 cell lines representing more than 40 diseases and address common challenges facing iPSC researchers by maintaining important GDPR regulatory and legal information. EBiSC performs functional and phenotypic characterization of derived cell lines, which helps to streamline research efforts and reduces the experimental burden on research teams. A highlight of the repository is the EBiSC-NEUR1 iPSC neurons, a doxycycline-inducible cell model that allows researchers to study diverse neuronal lineages. The EBiSC catalog, available at www.EBiSC.org, provides a comprehensive list of available cell lines and associated data.

Sampled has partnered with EBiSC as the sole distributor of their iPSC catalog to US researchers, including EBiSC-NEUR1 iPSC neurons, to support diverse applications across broad therapeutic areas. This partnership improves accessibility to important cell lines and builds on the existing cell line catalogs that Sampled distributes for organizations such as the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Stem Cell Center.

Sampled offers a suite of iPSC services, including iPSC reprogramming from fibroblasts and lymphocytes, gene editing, expansion, storage, and quality control. Comprehensive multiomics offerings enable on-site analysis of iPSC lines, spanning genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and more.

“I am thrilled to announce the partnership between Sampled and EBiSC to make their valuable iPSC collection available to investigators in the US. We consider this an important and essential addition the stem cell line repository offerings Sampled already provides.”

Mike Sheldon, PhD

Senior Director Scientific Affairs, Sampled

About Sampled

Sampled is a fully integrated laboratory and biorepository with industry-leading storage, sample management, multiomics, cellular services, and custom clinical kitting. Founded in 1999 as RUCDR at Rutgers University, Sampled operates facilities in the US and UK and is CAP accredited and CLIA licensed. Sampled is committed to providing the highest quality sample storage, processing, and analysis services that enable researchers to make new discoveries and advance human health. When combined with state-of-the-art biobanking facilities, these capabilities provide comprehensive scientific solutions that speed time to quality data.

Media Contact

Caroline Mitchell, PhD

Director, Content & Creative Strategy, Sampled

communications@sampled.com

Piscataway, NJ – Sampled, an integrated analytical biorepository and multiomics company, is proud to announce its selection as a Genomic Characterization Center for the Genome Characterization program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health. This prestigious Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract has a funding ceiling of $150 million, positioning Sampled as a key contributor to supporting the advancement of cutting-edge cancer research and genomic discovery.

Under the award, Sampled will participate in all four contract pools, leveraging its state-of-the-art technologies and expertise to deliver comprehensive genomic solutions:

Pool 1 – DNA Sequencing

Whole Genome Sequencing and Whole Exome Sequencing using DNA extracted from FFPE or fresh frozen samples to support researchers comprehensive understanding of cancer biology by identifying mutations, structural variations, and genetic abnormalities that drive tumor progression critical for advancing precision oncology, uncovering novel therapeutic targets, and supporting large-scale cancer genomic studies.

Pool 2 – RNA Sequencing

RNAseq and microRNAseq using RNA extracted from FFPE or fresh frozen samples for transcriptomic analysis which will support researchers to analyze gene expression and regulatory pathways, revealing how genetic changes affect tumor development and behavior, essential for to identify biomarkers, study tumor microenvironment interactions, and potentially monitor responses to cancer therapies.

Pool 3 – Epigenome Characterization

Methylation and Chromatin Accessibility Characterization with array and sequencing based assays using DNA extracted from FFPE or fresh frozen samples to support NCI researchers to investigate critical changes, such as methylation patterns and chromatin remodeling, that drive cancer progression and therapeutic resistance.

Pool 4 – Single Cell/Spatial Characterization

Single-cell RNA, ATAC-seq, Spatial, and In Situ Analyses from FFPE or fresh frozen samples allowing a detailed understanding of tumor heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment by analyzing individual cells and their interactions, for studying treatment resistance, advancing immunotherapy, and personalizing cancer care.

“Being part of the NCI Genome Characterization contract is a testament to Sampled’s unwavering commitment to delivering innovative and reliable solutions for cancer research,” said Greg Morrissey, Sr Director Government / Public Sector at Sampled. “Our participation across all four contract pools underscores our diverse capabilities in supporting the scientific community to uncover the complexities of cancer and drive precision medicine forward.”

“Sampled’s selection for this contract is an significant milestone in our mission to support cancer researchers with cutting-edge multiomics tools,” said Shareef Nahas, Chief Scientific Officer of Sampled. “Our team is deeply committed to advancing human health and medicine. This partnership with the NCI allows us to contribute directly to advancing oncology research, accelerating the discovery of novel cancer therapies, and improving patient outcomes through comprehensive genomic and molecular insights.”  

As a trusted partner to the NCI and the broader research community, Sampled’s contributions will enable groundbreaking discoveries in cancer genomics and epigenetics. The company’s integrated approach, combining cutting-edge technologies, robust infrastructure, and unparalleled expertise, ensures that researchers have access to the highest quality data and insights.

View the Press Release at PR Newswire Here

About Sampled

Sampled is a fully integrated laboratory and biorepository with industry-leading storage, sample management, multiomics, cellular services, and custom clinical kitting. Founded in 1999 as RUCDR at Rutgers University, Sampled operates facilities in the US and UK and is CAP accredited and CLIA licensed. Sampled is committed to providing the highest quality sample storage, processing, and analysis services that enable researchers to make new discoveries and advance human health. When combined with state-of-the-art biobanking facilities, these capabilities provide comprehensive scientific solutions that speed time to quality data.

Media Contact

Caroline Mitchell

Director, Content & Creative Strategy

communications@sampled.com

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

By providing access to a diverse collection of high-quality patient-derived cell lines, NINDS facilitates breakthroughs in understanding diseases like Alzheimer’s and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Partnering with SAMPLED for secure storage and efficient distribution, NINDS supports researchers worldwide in developing novel treatments and expanding knowledge in the field. This blog explores the impact of the NINDS Biorepository on cellular research and the crucial role of advanced biobanking practices, such as those implemented by SAMPLED, in preserving the integrity of these essential resources.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

NINDS supports furthering our understanding of neurological disorders through education, funding, and its biorepository¹. The NINDS biorepository maintains a diverse set of patient-derived cell lines, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and fibroblasts for many neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. By providing high-quality cell lines for research and clinical trials, NINDS enables researchers to derive crucial information about neurological disorders and promotes the generation of novel therapies and management strategies. NINDS relies on SAMPLED as a trusted partner to securely store and distribute cells.

Sample Storage Challenges in Modern Research

Research institutions face several challenges when storing samples and reagents. Small institutions can struggle with capacity and having sufficiently skilled staff to manage storage infrastructure and data security, while large institutions can struggle with adapting their existing infrastructure to evolving research environments. For instance, personalized medicine and the discovery of biomarkers for neurological diseases from diverse tissue types mean that more samples may need to be stored for individual patients^2–4.

The high volume of samples necessitates more automated approaches to sample security. Manual monitoring becomes increasingly inefficient and unreliable as the volume of samples increases. Institutions like NINDS possess highly valuable cell lines sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Thus, they have an increased need for robust systems to ensure sample integrity. Beyond physical security, biorepositories require robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard patient data. In addition to protecting data, it is essential that samples and their related information are well-organized and readily accessible to authorized personnel.

Benefits of Advanced Biobanking

Advanced biobanking systems, such as those employed by SAMPLED in its partnership with NINDS, help to overcome many of these challenges, offering enhanced sample quality and security to bolster research efforts.

Scalability

Flexible storage capacity is essential for optimal biobanking and allows researchers to tackle more ambitious research projects incorporating more patient samples, treatments, and timepoints.

Security

Modern biobanks incorporate robust physical and data security systems to ensure patient data and samples are handled appropriately and are less vulnerable to theft or loss due to disasters. These systems include data encryption, dedicated alarm systems, real-time monitoring, and adherence to international regulatory standards such as the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER)⁵ and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)⁶.

Automation

Modern biobanks use automation to streamline the retrieval and processing of different samples. This helps to eliminate the chances of human error, which can accelerate sample degradation and lead to sample misplacement.

The SAMPLED Framework

SAMPLED is the dedicated supplier for the NINDS Human Cell and Data Repository (NHCDR) and is trusted by other government institutions for sample storage and distribution. SAMPLED maintains a modern sample collection, storage and analysis infrastructure to help streamline the next generation of therapies for neurological disorders.

Automation

SAMPLED uses high-end automated instrumentation throughout its sample collection and storage pipeline. This helps ensure samples are stored at optimal temperatures, giving the best chances for high-quality data.

Security

SAMPLED uses dedicated alarm systems and real-time monitoring for each of its 600 mechanical -80°C freezers to ensure samples are always maintained appropriately. SampledSphere is our Title 21 CFR part 11⁷ and HIPAA-compliant cloud-based portal where clients can view their data and receive reporting tailored to their needs.

Ordering NINDS Cell Lines

SAMPLED facilitates efficient ordering of cell lines from NINDS to drive the next generation of treatments for neurological disorders.

Visit this page for a detailed guide.

Conclusion

The NINDS Biorepository, bolstered by its partnership with SAMPLED, is transforming cellular research by providing researchers with secure, high-quality, patient-derived cell lines. This resource accelerates breakthroughs in understanding neurological disorders and developing novel therapies.

With advanced biobanking practices, including automated storage, robust data security, and scalable infrastructure, NINDS ensures the preservation and accessibility of critical research materials. As a result, the biorepository plays a pivotal role in advancing scientific knowledge and treatment possibilities for neurological diseases.

Do you need high-quality cell lines for your neurology research?

Download our comprehensive whitepaper, which covers the importance of NINDS and advanced biobanking practice in more detail.

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References

1. The NINDS Human Cell and Data Repository – Providing iPSCs and Fibroblasts for the Study of Neurological Disease. March 1, 2021. Accessed October 29, 2024. https://nindsgenetics.org/

2. Zeng X, Chen Y, Sehrawat A, et al. Alzheimer blood biomarkers: practical guidelines for study design, sample collection, processing, biobanking, measurement and result reporting. Mol Neurodegener. 2024;19(1):40. doi:10.1186/s13024-024-00711-1

3. Jiao LL, Dong HL, Liu MM, et al. The potential roles of salivary biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases. Neurobiology of Disease. 2024;193:106442. doi:10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106442

4. Król-Grzymała A, Sienkiewicz-Szłapka E, Fiedorowicz E, Rozmus D, Cieślińska A, Grzybowski A. Tear Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases, and Multiple Sclerosis: Implications for Diagnosis (Systematic Review). Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(17):10123. doi:10.3390/ijms231710123

5. ISBER. Accessed October 30, 2024. https://isber.org

6. CDC. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Public Health Law. September 10, 2024. Accessed October 30, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/phlp/php/resources/health-insurance-portability-and-accountability-act-of-1996-hipaa.html

7. CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. Accessed October 30, 2024. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=11