Biospecimen Custodianship and Storage

The Biospecimen Processing Lab offers comprehensive, flexible storage solutions.

Onsite storage (formerly short-term): Samples are stored onsite at the BSPL where they were processed. Samples can be rapidly accessed by our team for priority distribution. Onsite storage is charged per sample, per month.

Biobank storage (formerly long-term): Samples are stored at the Mt. Zion Freezer Farm with a plan to keep them for a minimum of time measured in years. Access to samples is by a “sample pull” request submitted through iLab and is fulfilled in the order received. Current turnaround time for distribution is approximately one month, depending on staffing and volume of requests. Biobank storage is charged per cryobox, per month.

*Choice of storage service will be confirmed at study start-up. Samples will default to onsite storage unless biobank storage is specifically requested by the investigator.

For Onsite and Biobank storage services, the BSPL offers:

• Storage of blood, body fluids and tissue
• Ambient, 4°C, -20°C, -80°C, and liquid nitrogen sample storage
• Biospecimen temperature and physical security measures
  • Bi-annual preventative maintenance and calibration
    • Certificates available upon request
  • 24/7 temperature monitoring
    • Freezer temperature logs available upon request
  • Freezers connected to backup power where available
• Sample retrieval and distribution
  • Shipping supplies must be provided by study team
  • Courier services (FedEx, UPS, etc.) are coordinated and paid by study team

Oyster Point Freezer Farm: Investigators with their own -80°C freezer or LN2 unit and intend to keep it stored for an ultra-long time without day-to-day access, can sign up for the waiting list and move their freezer to this monitored facility as space becomes available. Oyster Point space is charged per freezer, per month.