European Biobank projects elect for Micronic sample storage

Micronic BV have been recently selected by Biobank projects in Germany, the Netherlands and the UK to supply a range of 2D and non-coded sample storage tubes and racks to improve their sample traceability and logistics.

For efficient tracking and retrieval of biological specimens - Micronic offers an extensive range of sample storage tubes with a variety of coding technologies (Data Matrix 2D, Traxis 2D, Barcode, Colours and RFID tagging), volumes, sealing arrangements and tube bottom configurations to suit all needs. Working with leading automation companies Micronic has also developed a comprehensive range of 96-tube racks based upon the globally recognised ANSI/SBS-1 (2004) Footprint Dimensions.

The new state-of-the-art bio-repository at the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Sheffield University (UK), were looking for an automated sample storage system that would provide medical researchers with premium quality blood serum and plasma samples for their translational research. Requiring the integrity of serum and plasma samples be maintained in cold storage for a minimum of 15 years the Sheffield Bio repository elected to use Micronic sample storage tubes with novel screw top closures. Each tube in the bio-repository has a unique 2D code that identifies the sample, its coordinates within a 96-tube rack, the particular rack and the location of the rack in the freezer.

Micronic screw top tubes, available in 0.5 ml and 1.1ml sizes, provide laboratories with high integrity storage and easy retrieval of precious samples down to liquid nitrogen temperatures. Incorporating a novel 'single turn' screw cap mechanism ensures that accessing samples is a simple and rapid process. A unique 2D code on the bottom of each tube provides an easy and unambiguous means of storing and identifying samples. The internal 'V' shape of each Micronic screw top tube ensures the lowest possible dead volume and maximum sample recovery. Designed to fit 96 individual tubes into a standard footprint rack optimises valuable freezer space and ensures automation compatibility.

For further details of the German (Prevent-It study, Mainz), Dutch (Generation R project, Rotterdam) and UK (Sheffield Bio-repository) Biobank projects can be found at http://www-klinik.uni-mainz.de/presse/pressemitteilungen/aktuelle-pressemitteilungen.html, http://www.generationr.nl/ and http://www.shef.ac.uk/medicine/research/crf/biorepository respectively.