subject: Storage Ideas For Samples [print this page] In the last few decades the importance of biological specimens and samples has grown tremendously. The reason for this is the discovery and importance of DNA analysis in research and criminal investigations. Biological samples include blood, mucus, semen, bone, tissues, skin, milk, hair, saliva, eyes, etc. there are different methods involved in storing biological samples.
Biobanks like all other DNA databases require careful storage as well as document access to all the samples and donor details. It is essential to maintain the samples on a reliable scale with minimal deterioration over the time. Their sensitive protection is essential to avoid any physical damage, that can be accidental and at times, intentional as well.
For sample storage, the registration of each sample is required. This is done by entering and exiting the system; so that it is centrally stored, only use the computer-based system that can provide back up data as well. Also, the physical location of each sample is noted so that all specimens can be located rapidly.
Liquid blood samples need to be refrigerated and should not be frozen. Similarly semen and seminal stain samples should be refrigerated. Also other body fluids like urine, saliva should be refrigerated and not frozen. Tissues, organs, bones, teeth should be frozen.
After the samples are selected, the next thing in line is the storage of these samples. There are some important things that must be kept in mind while storing the samples. As there are more than one unit in the sample, it is very important to keep them in a certain manner. For this reason, the storage of the sample becomes very important.
Recently, new approaches have evolved for storing biological samples at room temperatures. This method evolves around the extremophile biology that allows some biological samples to survive for over a hundred years in a dry state. A thermo-stable barrier is created around the sample that stops it from deteriorating. This allows the biological sample to be stored over a long period of time at room temperature.
Also, all these companies that have developed biobanking systems guarantee that each sample is maintained on a reliable scale and would not deteriorate over the time. There are softwares employed that help in the registration of each sample. The location of each sample in noted down by these softwares in their repository database and even help in the integration of pre-existing database.
The next thing to consider is the accessibility of the samples. They must be stored in a system in which it is very easy to access each and individual item of the samples. If you keep these things in mind while storing the samples, I am sure you will have no trouble in accessing them when they are needed.
