Specialized Tubes Selected to Optimize Biofluids Sample Storage

Specialized sample tubes chosen by a biorepository institute have successfully supported the development of an optimized automated workflow to secure the long-term storage of serum, plasma, and urine samples.

With hospitals and research institutes around the world building collections of biological samples as a resource for biomedical and other research, biorepositories must be able to maintain high quality, long-term storage of vast sample sets. Studies have demonstrated the importance of minimizing freeze-thaw cycles and the negative effects of repeated sample exposure on the quality of samples. In improving the long-term storage of samples and the efficiency of its facility, the Karolinska Institute Biobank (KI Biobank; Stockholm, Sweden) now uses the single-use heat-sealed REMP sample tubes from Brooks Life Science Systems, a division of the automated sample storage and management pioneer Brooks Automation, Inc. (Poway, CA, USA).

Brooks’ REMP tubes address key issues faced in biorepository management by providing an effective solution for high integrity, cost effective sample storage. The format avoids repeat freeze-thaw and minimizes risk of contamination. The heat seal provides the highest integrity of any available sealing system at low temperatures, saving significant space when compared to a traditional cap and reducing potential interference of the sample caused by adhesives. The heat seal is available on all tubes in the working volume range of 40 µl to 900 µl.

Brooks’ expert advisors worked with experts at KI Biobank to support the development of a best practice workflow. The Brooks REMP tubes were successfully integrated into a novel robot-driven automated workflow that offers maximum sample security within a temperature controlled environment to ensure the long-term availability of high quality samples. Clint Haris, Vice President, General Manager, Brooks Life Science Systems, said, “The adoption of single-use tubes by such a prestigious organization is validation of Brooks’ technology and we are very proud to be part of this collaboration. The development carried out by the team at the KI Biobank will help ensure a focus on sample integrity and set the standard for secure biological sample processing.”

Related Links:
Brooks Automation, Inc.
Karolinska Institute Biobank