Sample cataloging/inventory

It's been a few months now since we've been back. Things have been busy but we've now managed to catalog and store away the blood and serum samples. As it is with any other project, the time and effort it takes to set up a well characterized and well documented sample catalog is imperative for any future work that requires access to the samples. To know the location of a sample we generally document the following information: Freezer ID, freezer shelf number, the freezer rack on the shelf, the freezer rack row, the position of the sample box in the freezer rack row, and coordinates (A1, A2,...) within the sample freezer box.

Serum samples ready to be  placed in freezer storage box.  Samples are kept on dry ice to  prevent thawing.

Blood clots all packed away.  The displayed sample is in sample  box position A4.

Serum and blood clots stored away. On the  freezer shelf we see five freezer racks each with  three rows. Different sized freezer racks are due  to the size and shape of the sample tube.

To maintain sample integrity, all samples are stored at  -80 to -83 degrees Celsius (-112 to -117 Fahrenheit). At these temperatures protective equipment (cryo-gloves, lab coat, safety glasses/face shield) must be worn, otherwise cold burns may occur.