Moving a lab between facilities can be a stressful and expensive endeavor, especially if not done correctly. The combination of hazardous materials, delicate and often expensive equipment, and irreplaceable frozen samples pose a regulatory and logistical challenge for investigators. Consider the following points for a successful lab relocation: 1. You Need to Follow Regulations During lab […]
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Using the word “shutdown” in the same sentence as research laboratory, academic facility, or pharmaceutical company seems absurd. But shutdowns are often necessary. They are highly complex, planned or unplanned, and each comes with its risks – especially when working with research samples. Details Matter During a Shutdown A temporary shutdown can be arranged for […]
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Good storage practices of biological materials is an essential component of any laboratory. Biological samples often degrade over time when stored at room temperature, but some samples may also lose integrity at low temperatures if subjected to multiple freeze-thaw cycles. The best storage temperature for a given biological sample or reagent often varies depending on […]
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Transporting biological samples must follow a strict chain of custody to preserve maximum viability and function. This is vital for all samples – but especially for those that are temperature sensitive. Protecting Precious Samples During Transport Whether you are moving a specific collection of biosamples or an entire laboratory, exacting logistics and inventory control must […]
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Clinical trials take years. In some cases—a decade or more. The need for shorter clinical study timelines from the bench to the bedside is critical because it means patients get access to new treatments faster. Besides the enormous amount of time involved, this level of research requires funding. Upwards of hundreds of millions of dollars […]
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Academic biobanks support preclinical and translational research by collecting, storing, analyzing, and distributing biological samples and associated data to academic and industry researchers. And in fact, hundreds of academic biobanks have been established over the past decade to support the growing emphasis on personalized medicine, genetic and genomic research, biomarker identification, and companion diagnostic development.1 […]
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As the demand for biospecimens continues to increase, biorepositories must develop strategies to optimize utility, efficiency, and scope of their biosample collections. Modern technology solutions must not only address sample tracking and annotation but also enable sample sharing wherever possible. How can this be implemented? Biorepositories and Biobanks Modernized Research Strategies Once upon a time, […]
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To avoid deterioration, cryogenic samples are generally stored in liquid nitrogen or its vapor phase at temperatures around -170°C. During transport, some scientists place these samples on dry ice. However, research shows putting cryogenic samples on dry ice can warm them faster than exposure to room temperature. The culprits: convection and conduction. Liquid Nitrogen Avoids […]
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Clinical samples are important. Samples collected at a doctor’s office or hospital are used to diagnose disease, guide treatment, and predict patient outcomes. They’re also important for drug discovery and development, where they can be used to track disease stages, look for biomarkers, develop diagnostic assays, and many other purposes. Knowing how to deal with […]
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Patient recruitment is one of the biggest challenges when running a clinical trial. Repurposing samples for multiple research studies can help reduce the burden of patient recruitment and the burden on patients themselves. Repurposing Samples as a Clinical Study Strategy World Pharma Today recently published an article by Katheryn Shea, Global Biobanking Lead at Azenta Life […]
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