Storing biological samples safely is an essential part of the medical or scientific process in a laboratory. Samples that may be used for research, treatment or diagnosis must be stored within the optimal temperature range to keep them viable and stop degradation. In this article, we will explain the importance of temperature control for biological sample storage, factors affecting storage temperature, types of storage available, and tips for keeping samples at the correct temperature.
A central component of safe storage practices for biological samples is temperature control and stability. Most medicines, vaccines and biological samples are temperature dependent and must be cold chain managed. This process ensures the temperature is maintained within specific parameters. It is important to avoid a cold chain breach and keep safe temperature control to:
Determining the best storage temperature to preserve biological samples is a complex task. The optimal storage temperature will usually depend on the type of biological material, preservative agent, and storage time.
The most common type of cold storage is a medical grade refrigerator with a temperature range of +2 ºC to +8 ºC. These are suitable for a range of medicines, vaccines and certain biological samples. However, many biological materials will require different conditions for safe storage. Some specimens need to be frozen; others refrigerated. The most common storage for biological samples are room temperature, refrigerated, freezer, ultra-low freezer, and cryogenic freezer storage.
Many different industries require biological sample storage. Below are the industries that utilise these applications.
Once you have identified the correct temperature for biological samples, there are some guidelines to keep within the appropriate temperature parameters.
Storing biological samples safely is an essential part of the medical or scientific process in a laboratory. Samples that may be used for research, treatment or diagnosis must be stored within the optimal temperature range to keep them viable and stop degradation. In this article, we will explain the importance of temperature control for biological sample storage, factors affecting storage temperature, types of storage available, and tips for keeping samples at the correct temperature.
A central component of safe storage practices for biological samples is temperature control and stability. Most medicines, vaccines and biological samples are temperature dependent and must be cold chain managed. This process ensures the temperature is maintained within specific parameters. It is important to avoid a cold chain breach and keep safe temperature control to:
Determining the best storage temperature to preserve biological samples is a complex task. The optimal storage temperature will usually depend on the type of biological material, preservative agent, and storage time.
The most common type of cold storage is a medical grade refrigerator with a temperature range of +2 ºC to +8 ºC. These are suitable for a range of medicines, vaccines and certain biological samples. However, many biological materials will require different conditions for safe storage. Some specimens need to be frozen; others refrigerated. The most common storage for biological samples are room temperature, refrigerated, freezer, ultra-low freezer, and cryogenic freezer storage.
Many different industries require biological sample storage. Below are the industries that utilise these applications.
Once you have identified the correct temperature for biological samples, there are some guidelines to keep within the appropriate temperature parameters.