The significance of storing your samples a uniform -86°C

Ultra-low temperatures will halt the metabolic activity of biological samples and cell stocks at –86°C, thereby preserving their viability long term. Because temperature conditions can affect the integrity of your samples, it is crucial to remember the importance of having uniformity within your freezer, regardless of where your samples are located within the unit. Although a full freezer will have better temperature uniformity than an empty one, a good quality freezer will make the biggest difference in preserving your samples.

Minimize ice build-up

• Position the freezer away from vents that blow air into the room or on the freezer.

• Keep door openings to a minimum and to short lengths of time (30 seconds to 1 minute is normal).

• Maintain door latches securely closed.

Remember to ease your samples into a -86°C environment

Standard operating procedures may require that samples be placed on a Styrofoam container and then into a -20°C environment before introducing into an ultra-low temperature freezer.

Leverage Your Freezer Racks

Because heat exchange occurs very rapidly, anything you can do to minimize this helps your samples remain in a state of slowed metabolic activity. Know where your samples are located before retrieving them

to reduce exposure to ambient temperatures. Likewise, return boxes immediately after sample retrieval.

Do not ignore your freezer alarms

If the door alarm goes off, then you have kept the freezer door open too long. Usually, you won’t see the temperature in the freezer start to rise for several minutes after a door opening, due to the slower equilibration in a -86°C ULT freezer. However, be aware of the alarms your freezer has so that you can quickly correct any abnormal conditions before they negatively affect your samples.