Cryo-Cell Service
Cryo-Cell Service is a service devoted to biological samples storage for use in research. It provides users with a safe, efficient and ethical system to store and manage bio-specimens for research programs.
In particular, the Cryo-Cell Service ensures long-term storage of biological samples in cryogenic storages (Dewar), under defined conditions. A software helps ensure that both events and alarms in the room and phases of the biological samples are installed safely and properly.
The cryobiological room of CAST is located at one level underground, where there are currently 8 cryogenic containers, with a storage capacity of 70,000 test tubes. In cryo storages, all specimens are stored in the vapor phase of nitrogen, at -196° C. The liquid nitrogen is stocked in a storage tank situated outside the pavilion with a distribution line that leads to each cryogenic container.
The automatic liquid nitrogen filling system ensures:
- Maximum security of authorized personnel;
- Containment of nitrogen consumption;
- Ease of maintenance;
- Cost effectiveness.
Only trained, authorized personnel have access to the cryobiological room. The training includes room access rules and risk management procedures for the use of liquid nitrogen.
The main health risks in the use of cryogenic containers are related to the nitrogen temperature (-196° C). This temperature must be maintained in order for the nitrogen to remain in its liquid state. Contact with liquid nitrogen can cause severe cold burn, and prolonged exposure can lead to freezing of the affected area. Also, if the quantity of liquid nitrogen in the air exceeds its normal concentration (about 78%), it will cause asphyxiation.
Due to these safety hazards only authorized personnel, wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), have access to the cryobiological room.
Furthermore, the cryobiological room has an appropriate ventilation system and sensors which register the main operating parameters (concentration of oxygen, correct delivery of liquid nitrogen, adequate automatic liquid nitrogen filling system). These sensors will activate, in case of emergency, an alarm system available 24 hours/365 days. Each alarm identified as dangerous will be sent to the operators in the manufacturing and technical assistance service, ensuring an early intervention.
The operations of Cryo-Cell Service are made possible thanks to the dedicated work led by a multidisciplinary team, coordinated by Dr. Pamela Di Tomo. This team manages, the correct stocking of bio-specimens, access to the Cryo-Cell room and ongoing training of personnel.
