BEHIND THE SCIENCE

 

Ensuring the continued viability of stored samples is crucial to scientific investigation since frozen cells are often a starting point from which research is initiated or continued. This makes ultra-low temperature freezers critical for any life science research effort.

 

Here are a few key points to ponder when selecting preservation equipment for your lab.

 

Cost: Consider the ENTIRE Cost of Ownership

Purchase price should not be your only consideration since models that are less expensive upfront can cost more by compromising performance. Not only can this lead to the loss of irreplaceable samples, but these models can also end up costing far more throughout their usable lifetime. More frequent equipment failure and service demands, as well as lower energy efficiency, may increase daily energy usage as well as significantly increase HVAC loads.

 

Size: Inside and Outside Considerations

When contemplating ULT size, consider the floor space available to accommodate the units. Next, it’s important to plan the number of racks, drawers, and sample boxes the ultra-low freezer will hold.

 

• EXPERT TIP: Remember, a full freezer has better temperature uniformity than an empty one.

 

Pull-Down Time: When Does it Matter?

Though pull-down is often listed as a key performance indicator in ultra-low freezer operation, it is only relevant at installation and initial startup. Factors that impact the pull-down rate of an empty freezer include the desired operating setpoint, ambient temperature at startup and internal load.

 

Keeping Frost-Free

Frequent door openings can lead to increased frost buildup, which can cause problems with freezer performance. When frost buildup is not regularly removed, it can prevent the outer freezer doors from closing completely, impacting your freezer’s insulation performance and altering temperature uniformity.

 

• Frost buildup can negatively impact the freezer performance and put your stored samples at risk. Look for models with features that help prevent ice buildup.
• EXPERT TIP When cleaning, remove ice or frost from the latch hole using the special tool included with your PHCbi brand freezer.

 

Temperature Variation: An Enemy of Reproducibility

Temperature uniformity at all shelf levels is needed to minimize uncertainty and to improve the likelihood of reproducibility in the scientific investigation process.

 

• Temperature uniformity is one of the most important factors to consider. Ultra-low temperature freezers should be able to prevent temperature variations despite high ambient conditions.

 

Learn more key considerations for the long-term preservation of your stored samples in 6 Points to Consider When Purchasing a -86°C Freezer.