Innovative Freezer Racks Offer Greater Cryostorage Flexibility

A novel, nonlocking cryostorage rack allows both manual and automated sample picking, capping, decapping, and pipetting in a space-saving, ergonomic format.

Thermo Scientific (Milford, MA, USA) has recently introduced the “Universal Latch Rack” for use with 2 mL and 5 mL Thermo Scientific Nunc Cryobank tubes as well as with most standard Thermo Scientific Nunc and Nalgene cryogenic tubes.


The new racks incorporate highly flexible lids, which pivot or can be lifted off for manual access, or for access by a robotic sampling instrument. Lids on adjacent racks interlock, providing safe, stackable, and secure storage to maximize freezer space with 48 tubes per rack for internally threaded caps or 24 tubes per rack for externally threaded caps.

This novel format is compatible with the complete portfolio of Thermo Scientific sample tracking and storage equipment, including handheld and automated decappers as well as two-dimensional barcode readers. One such complimentary tool is the “Eight Channel Decapper.” This tool uncaps a column of eight screw-top tubes in just four seconds, shortening the time required to access samples, and hastening their return to storage. The caps are tightened uniformly and at the optimal torque to prevent spills or leakage, to maintain sample integrity, and to avoid sample loss during cryogenic storage and freeze-thaw cycles.

The manufacturer suggests that the new universal latch racks are ideal for cryostorage of biological, genomic, and diagnostic samples, since they possess the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard microplate footprint, open bottoms for two-dimensional barcode readability, and strategically placed automation orientation detection features.

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