A biorepository storage facility can provide long-term storage of biological materials and associated data, including samples from clinical trials and other studies. They are a great resource for researchers across the globe. A recent study published in the Journal of Biomedical Data Mining has revealed the features most important to people considering utilizing biorepository storage facilities. Here are the best of them.
Emergency Standby Generator
A standby generator is a critical component of many Biorepository facilities. This generator is designed for use during power outages and allows for operations to continue without interruption. These generators can also provide extra support in case of a natural disaster. These generators ensure that all backups are available when needed most when operating at maximum capacity.
Leak Detection Systems
The facility should include state-of-the-art leak detection systems to ensure that no samples are damaged during transit or while in storage. This may seem like an obvious requirement, but not all facilities possess such sophisticated machinery. Researchers need to know that their samples will be safe, so they must choose a storage facility with these capabilities.
Secure and Monitored Access
Biorepository storage facilities need to have high security, including secure personnel identification and security cameras, and other monitoring. In addition, access needs to be restricted to only those cleared to have access. This also includes secure transport from outside contractors.
Specialized Insurance Policy
A biorepository is a secure, temperature-controlled space where researchers store biological samples. Such samples may include cells, DNA, and other bodily fluids extracted from patients for use in scientific studies. Biorepositories are commonplace in medical testing and pharmaceutical development. Institutions must maintain an accurate inventory of each sample location and condition at all times to ensure security.
Temperature Control System
Due to their long-term nature, biorepositories need to maintain their samples at low temperatures. The cold temperature helps to extend DNA preservation and limits biological activity that would otherwise cause contamination or degradation.
While high temperatures aren’t necessarily an indication of poor storage conditions, they can compromise sample integrity over time. Many biorepository facilities are in controlled areas where air conditioning works year-round to keep samples from degrading too quickly during warm months.
24/7 Video Surveillance
To ensure that your stored tissue samples are safe, it’s important to have video surveillance of every nook and cranny. That way, if anything were to go missing or seem out of place, you can tell who accessed and removed what from where at what time.
Multi-Layered Security Protocol
Bio-repositories often host valuable medical information that hackers could compromise, so data security is one of our highest priorities. The multi-layered security protocol includes dual encryption, physical access controls, and documented chain of custody processes to ensure only authorized personnel can access your genomic data.
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an effective, efficient, and safe method for storing human and animal tissue samples. Opt for a trusted biorepository storage facility like Avantor for your clinical trial and biorepository needs.
