US20140014550A1 - Microsample cryostorage systems and methods - Google Patents
Microsample cryostorage systems and methods Download PDFInfo
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- US20140014550A1 US20140014550A1 US13/977,878 US201113977878A US2014014550A1 US 20140014550 A1 US20140014550 A1 US 20140014550A1 US 201113977878 A US201113977878 A US 201113977878A US 2014014550 A1 US2014014550 A1 US 2014014550A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/00584—Control arrangements for automatic analysers
- G01N35/00722—Communications; Identification
- G01N35/00732—Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/02—Internal fittings
- B65D25/04—Partitions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
- A01N1/00—Preservation of bodies of humans or animals, or parts thereof
- A01N1/02—Preservation of living parts
- A01N1/0236—Mechanical aspects
- A01N1/0242—Apparatuses, i.e. devices used in the process of preservation of living parts, such as pumps, refrigeration devices or any other devices featuring moving parts and/or temperature controlling components
- A01N1/0252—Temperature controlling refrigerating apparatus, i.e. devices used to actively control the temperature of a designated internal volume, e.g. refrigerators, freeze-drying apparatus or liquid nitrogen baths
- A01N1/0257—Stationary or portable vessels generating cryogenic temperatures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
- B01L3/508—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above
- B01L3/5085—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above for multiple samples, e.g. microtitration plates
- B01L3/50851—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above for multiple samples, e.g. microtitration plates specially adapted for heating or cooling samples
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
- B01L3/508—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above
- B01L3/5085—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above for multiple samples, e.g. microtitration plates
- B01L3/50855—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above for multiple samples, e.g. microtitration plates using modular assemblies of strips or of individual wells
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L7/00—Heating or cooling apparatus; Heat insulating devices
- B01L7/50—Cryostats
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
- B01L2200/02—Adapting objects or devices to another
- B01L2200/025—Align devices or objects to ensure defined positions relative to each other
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
- B01L2200/02—Adapting objects or devices to another
- B01L2200/028—Modular arrangements
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
- B01L2300/02—Identification, exchange or storage of information
- B01L2300/021—Identification, e.g. bar codes
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
- B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
- B01L2300/0848—Specific forms of parts of containers
- B01L2300/0851—Bottom walls
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
- B01L2300/12—Specific details about materials
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
- B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
- B01L2400/0403—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces
- B01L2400/0409—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces centrifugal forces
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
- B01L3/508—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above
- B01L3/5082—Test tubes per se
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/56—Labware specially adapted for transferring fluids
- B01L3/563—Joints or fittings ; Separable fluid transfer means to transfer fluids between at least two containers, e.g. connectors
- B01L3/5635—Joints or fittings ; Separable fluid transfer means to transfer fluids between at least two containers, e.g. connectors connecting two containers face to face, e.g. comprising a filter
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L9/00—Supporting devices; Holding devices
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
- G01N1/28—Preparing specimens for investigation including physical details of (bio-)chemical methods covered elsewhere, e.g. G01N33/50, C12Q
- G01N1/42—Low-temperature sample treatment, e.g. cryofixation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/00584—Control arrangements for automatic analysers
- G01N35/00722—Communications; Identification
- G01N35/00732—Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers
- G01N2035/00792—Type of components bearing the codes, other than sample carriers
- G01N2035/00801—Holders for sample carriers, e.g. trays, caroussel, racks
Definitions
- microfuge tubes take the form of small, cylindrical plastic containers with conical bottoms and an integral snap cap or screw-on cap. They may be used by chemists and biologists as convenient sample vials in lieu of glass vials. Microfuge tubes may be particularly helpful for storing small sample contents and microcentrifugation can be used to collect the sample at the bottom of the tube. Microfuge tubes come in different nominal volumes, generally ranging from 250 ⁇ l to 2.0 ml.
- a multi-vial assembly for containing a plurality of samples in a cryostorage system includes a plurality of vials each defining a vial chamber to hold a respective sample and coupled together to form an integral vial assembly.
- the vials are independently removable from the integral vial assembly to permit selective access to the respective samples.
- the multi-vial assembly is sized to removably and replaceably fit within a microfuge tube slot of a freezer box.
- each of the vial chambers of the vials has a capacity in the range of from about 100 to 200 ⁇ l.
- the multi-vial assembly has a height in the range of from about 25 to 48 mm, and a width in the range of from about 8 to 12 mm.
- the multi-vial assembly includes a sleeve removably surrounding the integral vial assembly. Identification indicia may be provided on the sleeve. The multi-vial assembly may further include identification indicia on each of the vials.
- the multi-vial assembly includes a support assembly supporting and coupling the vials, the support assembly including at least one support member to receive and hold the vials.
- the support assembly may hold the vials in fixed relation to one another.
- the support member includes a plurality of first mounting features
- the vials each include a second mounting feature configured to engage a respective one of the first mounting features to positively position the vial on the support member
- the first mounting features are one of plugs and sockets
- the second mounting features are the other of plugs and sockets.
- the support assembly includes a top support member and a bottom support member engaging upper and lower ends of the vials, respectively, and the top member serves as a closure for the vial chambers of the vials.
- the support assembly includes a locking member selectively operable to secure the support assembly to the vials and release the support assembly from the vials.
- the multi-vial assembly includes a sleeve removably surrounding the integral vial assembly and the support assembly.
- the vials are stacked on one another to form the integral vial assembly.
- the stacked vials are directly coupled to one another.
- the vials each include an integral inner screw thread and an integral outer screw thread, and the stacked vials are directly coupled to one another by threaded engagement between their respective inner and outer screw threads.
- at least one of the stacked vials serves as a closure for the vial chamber of another, immediately adjacent one of the stacked vials.
- each of the vial chambers includes an upper main subchamber and a tapered lower subchamber.
- the vials can be formed of polypropylene.
- a method for storing and handling a plurality of samples in a cryostorage freezer includes: providing a multi-vial assembly including a plurality of vials each defining a vial chamber to hold a respective sample and coupled together to form an integral vial assembly.
- the vials are independently removable from the integral vial assembly to permit selective access to the respective samples.
- the method further includes: placing the samples in respective ones of the vial chambers; placing the multi-vial assembly in a freezer chamber of a cryostorage freezer; and selectively removing one or more of the vials from the multi-vial assembly to selectively access the samples placed in the vial chambers of the removed vials.
- the method includes: providing a freezer box defining a plurality of microfuge tube slots; seating the multi-vial assembly in one of the microfuge tube slots; removing the multi-vial assembly from the microfuge tube slot; and thereafter removing the one or more of the vials from the multi-vial assembly to selectively access the samples placed in the vial chambers of the removed vials.
- a microsample cryostorage system for containing a plurality of samples includes a cryostorage freezer having a freezer chamber and a multi-vial assembly disposed in the freezer chamber.
- the multi-vial assembly includes a plurality of vials each defining a vial chamber to hold a respective sample and coupled together to form an integral vial assembly.
- the vials are independently removable from the integral vial assembly to permit selective access to the respective samples.
- the microsample cryostorage system of includes a freezer box disposed in the freezer chamber and defining a plurality of microfuge tube slots.
- the multi-vial assembly is removably seated within one of the microfuge tube slots.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cryostorage system according to embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a freezer box forming a part of the system of FIG. 1 and containing multi-vial assemblies according to embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, top view of the freezer box and a multi-vial assembly of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the multi-vial assembly of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the multi-vial assembly of FIG. 4 with a sleeve forming a part thereof removed.
- FIG. 6 is an exploded, top perspective view of the multi-vial assembly of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 7 is a top view of the multi-vial assembly of FIG. 4 with a top plate and a locking pin thereof removed.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary vial forming a part of the multi-vial assembly of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a bottom plate forming a part of the multi-vial assembly of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged, top view of a cryostorage system according to further embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a multi-vial assembly according to embodiments of the invention and forming a part of the cryostorage system of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a sleeve forming a part of the multi-vial assembly of FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a multi-vial subassembly forming a part of the multi-vial assembly of FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a vial forming a part of the multi-vial subassembly of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the vial taken along the line 15 - 15 of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a multi-vial subassembly according to further embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a vial forming a part of the multi-vial subassembly of FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a vial according to further embodiments of the present invention.
- spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
- cryostorage devices are typically suitable for liquid volumes of 1 to 2 milliliters (ml). If smaller tubes were created (for example PCR tubes for DNA testing) they would likely lack adequate surface area for labeling, and would not fit efficiently in currently available storage systems (i.e., the boxes and racks used in ultra-low temperature freezers and liquid nitrogen storage tanks). Conventional devices are difficult to re-label without freeze-thaw of contents (which degrades the samples). If they are used to create numerous small aliquots of samples to allow different tests to be done at different times in the future (considered a good laboratory practice for clinical studies), such “daughter aliquots” take up just as much freezer space as full 1 to 2 ml samples.
- Microsample storage systems as disclosed herein can be used to store small or micro samples or specimens in ultra-low temperature freezers (i.e., ⁇ 70 to ⁇ 86° C.) or liquid nitrogen storage tanks.
- the inventive microsample storage systems include multi-vial assemblies that can be effectively stored and handled in freezer boxes, liquid nitrogen canes or sleeves, or other organizing devices in a freezer or storage tank.
- the samples may be any suitable samples such as liquid (e.g., serum or plasma) or solid (e.g., tissue or paper strips) samples.
- a cryostorage system 10 according to embodiments of the present invention is shown therein.
- the system 10 includes a freezer 20 ( FIG. 1 ), a rack 28 , a freezer box 30 , and one or more multi-vial assemblies 100 according to embodiments of the invention.
- Each of the multi-vial assemblies 100 can be used to hold a plurality of individualized or segregated samples or aliquots A ( FIG. 5 ) of a selected material, such as a biological sample.
- the freezer 20 may be any suitable low or ultra-low temperature freezer and defines a storage chamber 22 .
- the freezer 20 is operable to maintain the storage chamber 22 at a temperature less than about ⁇ 70° C. and, in some embodiments, between about ⁇ 70 and ⁇ 86° C.
- Exemplary freezers include the REVCOTM brand Ultima FreezerTM freezer available from Thermo Electron Corp. of Asheville, N.C.
- racks 28 may be optionally provided in the freezer chamber 22 to support the freezer boxes 30 .
- Exemplary racks include the 6112-1 racks available from Thermo Electron Corp. of Asheville, N.C.
- the freezer 20 may be provided with shelves.
- the freezer 20 may be provided with one or more of the freezer boxes 30 .
- an exemplary freezer box 30 is shown therein.
- the freezer box 30 includes an outer case 32 defining a main cavity 32 A and a grid 34 defining a plurality or matrix of cells or slots 36 .
- Each slot 36 has a width W 3 ( FIG. 3 ), a length L 3 ( FIG. 3 ), and a height H 3 ( FIG. 2 ).
- the multi-vial assembly 100 ( FIGS. 4-9 ) includes a support subassembly 102 , a sleeve 140 and a plurality of microvials or vials 150 A-H (generally referred to herein as the vials 150 ).
- the vials 150 A-H collectively form a set or array 151 ( FIG. 6 ) of vials.
- the support assembly 102 includes a top plate or member 110 , a bottom plate or member 120 , and a coupling member or lock pin 130 .
- the top member 110 has a lower surface 112 and a coupling hole 114 extending therethrough.
- the hole 114 is surrounded by an upstanding flange 114 A.
- the bottom plate 120 has an upper surface 122 and a lower surface 123 .
- a plurality of vial slots 124 are defined in the upper surface 122 and a cam feature 128 is located on the lower surface 123 . Indicia may be provided in or adjacent each vial slot 124 to identify or index the vial slot locations.
- a coupling hole 126 extends through the bottom member 120 .
- the locking pin 130 includes a shaft or body 132 having a handle 134 on one end and a latch feature 136 on an opposing end.
- the locking pin 130 may be formed of bent wire of a suitable metal such as stainless steel.
- the sleeve 140 is tubular and, in the illustrated embodiment, is square in cross-section.
- the sleeve 140 may include readable or visible indicia 142 representing data relating to the assembly 100 so that the sleeve 140 serves as a label for the assembly 100 .
- the indicia 142 may include a one- or two-dimensional bar code, for example.
- the sleeve 140 is formed of a polymeric material. Suitable materials for the sleeve 140 may include any suitable material such as a clear, thin material of the type used for shrink wrap tubing.
- the sleeve 140 is formed of TEFLON (PTFE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
- the sleeve 140 has a thickness T 5 ( FIG. 7 ) in the range of from about 0.05 to 0.15 mm.
- the vials 150 A-H may be substantially identical to one another or of different configurations.
- An exemplary vial 150 A is shown in detail in FIG. 8 .
- the vial 150 A defines a sample chamber 152 and a top opening 154 communicating with the chamber 152 .
- a lower portion of the vial 150 A defines a coupling feature or base plug 156 .
- the vials 150 may be formed of any suitable material. According to some embodiments, the vials 150 are formed of a polymeric material. According to some embodiments, the vials 150 are formed of polypropylene.
- Each vial 150 has a width W 1 ( FIG. 7 ), a length L 1 ( FIG. 7 ), and a height H 1 ( FIG. 8 ).
- the width W 1 and length L 1 are in the range of from about 2 to 3.8 mm
- the height H 1 is within range of from about 25 to 35 mm.
- the volume of each chamber 152 is less than or equal to 200 ⁇ l and, according to some embodiments, is in the range of from about 100 to 200 ⁇ l.
- the multi-vial assembly 100 may be assembled as follows. Samples as desired are deposited in the chamber 152 of each vial 150 . Each vial 150 A-H is seated in a respective vial slot 124 by its base plug 156 , before or after receiving a sample. The top member 110 is placed over the top ends of the vials 150 A-H. The locking pin 130 is inserted through the holes 114 , 124 and the central void defined by the vial array 151 . The handle 134 is notated to force the latch feature 136 against the cam 128 to thereby load or compress the top and bottom members 110 , 120 together and against the vials 150 A-H.
- the components 110 , 120 , 130 , 140 and 150 can be secured together as an integral or unitary vial assembly 153 as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the vial end openings 154 may be sealed by engagement between the vials 150 A-H and the lower surface 112 .
- a sealing member may be provided on the lower surface 112 or each vial 150 A-H may be individually sealed by a respective cap.
- the sleeve 140 may thereafter be slid over the vial assembly 153 as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the assembled multi-vial assembly 100 may then be slid lengthwise into a slot 36 of the freezer box 30 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- the freezer box 30 can be deployed in the freezer 20 in conventional manner.
- the assembly 100 When it is desired to access a sample, the assembly 100 is withdrawn from the freezer box slot 36 .
- the locking pin handle 134 may be used to assist in removal, such as by grasping or engaging the handle 134 with a hook.
- the locking pin 130 is counter-rotated and withdrawn from the members 110 , 120 .
- the top member 110 can then be lifted and the selected vial or vials 150 can be independently removed from the bottom member 120 .
- the top member 110 , locking pin 130 and sleeve 140 can be reinstalled to reassemble the assembly 100 , after which the assembly 100 can be re-inserted in the freezer box slot 36 and re-stored in the freezer chamber 22 .
- the width W 2 and length L 2 ( FIG. 7 ) of the multi-vial assembly 100 are between about 0.1 and 4 mm less than the corresponding width W 3 and length L 3 of the freezer box slot 36 .
- the height 112 ( FIG. 4 ) of the assembly 100 is between about 1 and 10 mm less than the height H 3 of the freezer box slot 36 .
- the assembly 100 occupies at least 50% of the horizontal cross-sectional area of the freezer box slot 36 .
- the width W 2 and length L 2 are each less than 12 mm and, according to some embodiments, are each in the range of from about 8 to 12 mm. According to some embodiments, the height H 2 is in the range of from about 25 to 48 mm.
- the multi-vial assembly 100 is substantially rectangular or square in cross-section so that the shape thereof is complementary in size and shape to the freezer box slot 36 . In this manner, the assembly 100 can ensure that the vials 150 are maintained upright and the available volume of the slot 36 can be used more efficiently.
- the multi-vial assembly 100 may have a different cross-sectional shape, such as a round or square shape with beveled or rounded corners.
- a cryostorage system 12 according to further embodiments of the invention is shown therein.
- the system 12 includes the freezer 20 , the rack 28 , and the freezer box 30 , and differs from the cryostorage system 10 in that the multi-vial assemblies 100 are replaced with multi-vial assemblies 200 , an exemplary one of which is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 11-15 .
- the multi-vial assembly 200 includes a multi-vial subassembly or unit 204 ( FIG. 13 ) and a sleeve 240 ( FIG. 12 ).
- the unit 204 includes a plurality of individual vials 210 A-E (generally referred to herein as the vials 210 ) that are stacked and coupled to one another to form an integrated series or tower of vials.
- the sleeve 240 may be mounted around the unit 204 .
- the vials 210 may be substantially identical or may vary in sample capacity, for example.
- An exemplary vial 210 A is shown in detail in FIGS. 14 and 15 .
- the vial 210 A includes a body 212 defining a sample chamber 214 and a top opening 216 effectively communicating with the chamber 214 .
- An upper post or flange 220 extends upwardly from the body 212 and has male threads 222 formed thereabout.
- a bore or socket 224 is defined in the lower portion of the body 212 and has female threads 226 formed therein complementary to the threads 222 .
- the vials 210 may be formed of the same materials as described above with regard to the vials 150 .
- Each vial 210 A-E may have indicia 217 corresponding to the indicia 157 .
- the vial chamber 214 includes a main vial chamber 214 A and an annular lower subchamber 214 B. According to some embodiments, each vial chamber 214 has a volume in the range of from about 100 to 400 ⁇ l.
- the sleeve 240 is tubular and, in the illustrated embodiment, circular in cross-section.
- the sleeve 240 may include indicia 242 corresponding to the indicia 142 described above. Additionally, indicia may also be fabricated on or affixed to the individual vials themselves, in which case, the sleeve 240 could be optional.
- the sleeve 240 may be formed of the same materials as described above with regard to the sleeve 140 .
- the multi-vial assembly 200 may be assembled and used as follows.
- a respective sample A ( FIG. 15 ) is deposited in the chamber 214 of each vial 210 A-D and the next vial 210 B-E in the stacking sequence is mounted therein (i.e., by screwing the flange 220 into the socket 224 ) to serve as a cap on the underlying filled vial. That is, the base of each vial 210 B-E serves as a cap for the vial below.
- the vial 210 A is filled with a sample A and the vial 210 B is screwed onto the vial 210 A to seal the opening 216 of the vial 210 A, then the vial 210 B is filled with a sample A and the vial 210 C is screwed onto the vial 210 B to seal the opening 216 of the 210 B, and so forth.
- the uppermost vial 210 E of the unit 204 may remain empty and open and serve to facilitate handling of the unit 240 .
- a user may grasp the flange 220 and/or may pull the unit 204 using a hook or other implement inserted into the chamber 214 of the vial 210 E through the opening 216 thereof.
- the unit 204 can be inserted into the sleeve 240 as shown in FIG. 11 .
- the multi-vial assembly 200 can be installed in a slot 36 of the freezer box 30 ( FIG. 10 ), which can be placed in the freezer chamber 22 as described above.
- the assembly 200 When a user desires to access a sample, the assembly 200 is withdrawn from the freezer box slot 36 .
- the sleeve 240 is removed from the unit 204 .
- the user may then unscrew and independently remove a selected vial 201 A-D from the remaining vials of the unit 204 to access the contents of the removed vial.
- the user will remove the lower endmost vial; however, other removal sequences may be employed.
- the sleeve 240 can be re-placed on the unit 204 and the assembly 200 can be re-installed in the freezer box slot 36 and the freezer 20 .
- the outer diameter D 4 ( FIG. 14 ) of the multi-vial assembly 200 is between about 0.2 and 4 mm less than the width W 3 or length L 3 of the slot 36 .
- the height 114 of the assembly 200 is between about 1 to 10 mm less than the height H 3 of the slot 36 .
- the assembly 200 occupies at least 50% of the horizontal cross-sectional area of the freezer box slot 36 .
- the diameter D 4 is in the range of from about 6 to 12 mm.
- the height H 4 ( FIG. 11 ) is in the range of from about 25 to 48 mm.
- the vials 210 A-E may have heights and outer diameters appropriate to provide the above-described dimensions and to fit snugly within the sleeve 240 .
- the assembly 200 includes at least three vials 210 , according to some embodiments, at least five vials 210 , and, according to some embodiments, at least nine vials.
- FIG. 16 shows an alternative multi-vial unit 304 including nine vials 310 A-I ( FIG. 17 ) configured and stacked in the same manner as the vials 210 A-E except that the vials 310 A-I each have a lesser height than the vials 210 A-E.
- seal members may be provided between the adjacent vials 210 A-E.
- seal members may be provided between the adjacent vials 210 A-E.
- parafilm, a cap liner, O-rings or Teflon seals may be provided to resist leakage, evaporation or “freezer burn”.
- a separate plug or stopper may be provided for each vial 210 and may include a pull tab to assist in removal.
- the vial 410 may be used in the same manner as the vials 210 A-E and differs from the vials 210 A-E in that the vial 410 has a conical protrusion 418 extending into the socket 424 and a solid, annular, lower flange 419 .
- the chamber 415 has a main subchamber 414 A and a conical or tapered lower subchamber 414 B.
- the vial 410 may be beneficial in that it may facilitate centrifugation and permit easier assess to very small samples (e.g., less than 25 ⁇ l).
- the multi-vial assemblies 100 , 200 , 300 may be constructed without sleeves 140 , 240 .
- the dimensions of the remaining components may be selected to provide overall dimensions for the assemblies 100 , 200 , 300 in the above-described ranges.
- the vials 210 , 310 , 410 may be provided with texturing or features such as fins that facilitate grasping and rotating the vials to screw and unscrew the vials.
- the individual vials 150 , 210 , 310 , 410 may each include respective label indicia directly secured to or embedded therein to identify the vial.
- the sleeves 140 , 240 can be provided with identifying indicia 142 , 242 .
- the indicia may comprise two or three dimensional barcodes representing serial numbers on each vial in case the aliquots or samples are not identical or to maintain identification during sample processing.
- the vials 150 each have individual labels 157 bearing indicia
- the vials 210 each have individual embossed indicia 217 .
- a log or database may be maintained to record the contents of or other information relating to each vial or selected vials.
- Each vial can be identified in the log or database using data represented by the indicia 157 , 217 on the vial.
- the log or database can be used to record the contents or other information relating to each or selected sleeves (e.g., the sleeves 140 , 240 ) with correlation to the sleeve indicia 142 , 242 .
- a user may scan the indicia 142 of a selected vial 150 to access the record for the vial.
- the record may include, for example, an identification of the contents A of the vial 150 as well as related information (e.g., dates and times of deposit and retrieval of the vial 150 and the sample A to and from the freezer).
- related information e.g., dates and times of deposit and retrieval of the vial 150 and the sample A to and from the freezer.
- each vial 210 , 310 , 410 may thus permit pipetting without a rack and/or the vials may be mounted in a “stocks”-type frame to enable easy organization similar to 96-well plate configurations and to facilitate use of automated sample handing systems.
- Multi-vial assemblies and cryostorage systems as described herein can enable the storage of multiple solid (e.g., paper strips or tissue) or liquid (e.g., serum or plasma) biological samples in the same space currently required for storage of a single specimen in a conventional microfuge tube.
- Each multi-vial assembly may be configured to fit into an individual slot of a commercially available cryostorage “freezer box” designed for 2 ml cryovials (i.e., of the type typically stored in ⁇ 80° C. freezers or liquid nitrogen tanks).
- each multi-vial assembly may have a nominal diameter of about 12 mm and a height of about 47 mm, consistent with current cryostorage devices.
- Liquid samples captured in the individual vials (e.g., each having a capacity of 100 to 400 microliters) of a multi-vial assembly can be stored and removed from storage independently, without thawing the remaining samples in the multi-vial assembly.
- a removable plastic sleeve supporting a barcode label or other identification label can serve to maintain the orientation of the vials, protect users from liquid nitrogen-related vial ruptures, and/or allow exchange of the labeling without sample freeze-thaw.
- Multi-vial assemblies and cryostorage systems of the present invention can not only conserve valuable cryogenic storage space, but can also provide more sample aliquots that have not been repeatedly freeze-thawed, and can provide storage volumes more consistent with testing devices that increasingly are designed for smaller sample volumes.
Abstract
A multi-vial assembly for containing a plurality of samples in a cryostorage system includes a plurality of vials each defining a vial chamber to hold a respective sample and coupled together to form an integral vial assembly. The vials are independently removable from the integral vial assembly to permit selective access to the respective samples.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/430,292, filed Jan. 6, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- Small vials commonly referred to as cryovials, cryotubes, microcentrifuge tubes or microfuge tubes are often employed for storing samples at very low temperatures (e.g., at temperatures below −60° C.). Typically, microfuge tubes take the form of small, cylindrical plastic containers with conical bottoms and an integral snap cap or screw-on cap. They may be used by chemists and biologists as convenient sample vials in lieu of glass vials. Microfuge tubes may be particularly helpful for storing small sample contents and microcentrifugation can be used to collect the sample at the bottom of the tube. Microfuge tubes come in different nominal volumes, generally ranging from 250 μl to 2.0 ml.
- According to embodiments of the present invention, a multi-vial assembly for containing a plurality of samples in a cryostorage system includes a plurality of vials each defining a vial chamber to hold a respective sample and coupled together to form an integral vial assembly. The vials are independently removable from the integral vial assembly to permit selective access to the respective samples.
- In some embodiments, the multi-vial assembly is sized to removably and replaceably fit within a microfuge tube slot of a freezer box.
- According to some embodiments, each of the vial chambers of the vials has a capacity in the range of from about 100 to 200 μl.
- According to some embodiments, the multi-vial assembly has a height in the range of from about 25 to 48 mm, and a width in the range of from about 8 to 12 mm.
- According to some embodiments, the multi-vial assembly includes a sleeve removably surrounding the integral vial assembly. Identification indicia may be provided on the sleeve. The multi-vial assembly may further include identification indicia on each of the vials.
- According to some embodiments, the multi-vial assembly includes a support assembly supporting and coupling the vials, the support assembly including at least one support member to receive and hold the vials.
- The support assembly may hold the vials in fixed relation to one another. In some embodiments, the support member includes a plurality of first mounting features, the vials each include a second mounting feature configured to engage a respective one of the first mounting features to positively position the vial on the support member, the first mounting features are one of plugs and sockets, and the second mounting features are the other of plugs and sockets. In some embodiments, the support assembly includes a top support member and a bottom support member engaging upper and lower ends of the vials, respectively, and the top member serves as a closure for the vial chambers of the vials. In some embodiments, the support assembly includes a locking member selectively operable to secure the support assembly to the vials and release the support assembly from the vials.
- According to some embodiments, the multi-vial assembly includes a sleeve removably surrounding the integral vial assembly and the support assembly.
- According to some embodiments, the vials are stacked on one another to form the integral vial assembly. In some embodiments, the stacked vials are directly coupled to one another. According to some embodiments, the vials each include an integral inner screw thread and an integral outer screw thread, and the stacked vials are directly coupled to one another by threaded engagement between their respective inner and outer screw threads. In some embodiments, at least one of the stacked vials serves as a closure for the vial chamber of another, immediately adjacent one of the stacked vials.
- According to some embodiments, each of the vial chambers includes an upper main subchamber and a tapered lower subchamber.
- The vials can be formed of polypropylene.
- According to method embodiments of the present invention, a method for storing and handling a plurality of samples in a cryostorage freezer includes: providing a multi-vial assembly including a plurality of vials each defining a vial chamber to hold a respective sample and coupled together to form an integral vial assembly. The vials are independently removable from the integral vial assembly to permit selective access to the respective samples. The method further includes: placing the samples in respective ones of the vial chambers; placing the multi-vial assembly in a freezer chamber of a cryostorage freezer; and selectively removing one or more of the vials from the multi-vial assembly to selectively access the samples placed in the vial chambers of the removed vials.
- In some embodiments, the method includes: providing a freezer box defining a plurality of microfuge tube slots; seating the multi-vial assembly in one of the microfuge tube slots; removing the multi-vial assembly from the microfuge tube slot; and thereafter removing the one or more of the vials from the multi-vial assembly to selectively access the samples placed in the vial chambers of the removed vials.
- According to embodiments of the present invention, a microsample cryostorage system for containing a plurality of samples includes a cryostorage freezer having a freezer chamber and a multi-vial assembly disposed in the freezer chamber. The multi-vial assembly includes a plurality of vials each defining a vial chamber to hold a respective sample and coupled together to form an integral vial assembly. The vials are independently removable from the integral vial assembly to permit selective access to the respective samples.
- In some embodiments, the microsample cryostorage system of includes a freezer box disposed in the freezer chamber and defining a plurality of microfuge tube slots. The multi-vial assembly is removably seated within one of the microfuge tube slots.
- Further features, advantages and details of the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the figures and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments that follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cryostorage system according to embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a freezer box forming a part of the system ofFIG. 1 and containing multi-vial assemblies according to embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, top view of the freezer box and a multi-vial assembly ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the multi-vial assembly ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the multi-vial assembly ofFIG. 4 with a sleeve forming a part thereof removed. -
FIG. 6 is an exploded, top perspective view of the multi-vial assembly ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 7 is a top view of the multi-vial assembly ofFIG. 4 with a top plate and a locking pin thereof removed. -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary vial forming a part of the multi-vial assembly ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a bottom plate forming a part of the multi-vial assembly ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 10 is an enlarged, top view of a cryostorage system according to further embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a multi-vial assembly according to embodiments of the invention and forming a part of the cryostorage system ofFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a sleeve forming a part of the multi-vial assembly ofFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a multi-vial subassembly forming a part of the multi-vial assembly ofFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a vial forming a part of the multi-vial subassembly ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the vial taken along the line 15-15 ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a multi-vial subassembly according to further embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a vial forming a part of the multi-vial subassembly ofFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a vial according to further embodiments of the present invention. - The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the relative sizes of regions or features may be exaggerated for clarity. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
- It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another element, it can be directly coupled or connected to the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly coupled” or “directly connected” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
- In addition, spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
- The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
- Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and this specification and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
- The smallest available cryostorage devices are typically suitable for liquid volumes of 1 to 2 milliliters (ml). If smaller tubes were created (for example PCR tubes for DNA testing) they would likely lack adequate surface area for labeling, and would not fit efficiently in currently available storage systems (i.e., the boxes and racks used in ultra-low temperature freezers and liquid nitrogen storage tanks). Conventional devices are difficult to re-label without freeze-thaw of contents (which degrades the samples). If they are used to create numerous small aliquots of samples to allow different tests to be done at different times in the future (considered a good laboratory practice for clinical studies), such “daughter aliquots” take up just as much freezer space as full 1 to 2 ml samples.
- Microsample storage systems as disclosed herein can be used to store small or micro samples or specimens in ultra-low temperature freezers (i.e., −70 to −86° C.) or liquid nitrogen storage tanks. The inventive microsample storage systems include multi-vial assemblies that can be effectively stored and handled in freezer boxes, liquid nitrogen canes or sleeves, or other organizing devices in a freezer or storage tank. The samples may be any suitable samples such as liquid (e.g., serum or plasma) or solid (e.g., tissue or paper strips) samples.
- With reference to
FIGS. 1-9 , acryostorage system 10 according to embodiments of the present invention is shown therein. Thesystem 10 includes a freezer 20 (FIG. 1 ), arack 28, afreezer box 30, and one or moremulti-vial assemblies 100 according to embodiments of the invention. Each of themulti-vial assemblies 100 can be used to hold a plurality of individualized or segregated samples or aliquots A (FIG. 5 ) of a selected material, such as a biological sample. - The
freezer 20 may be any suitable low or ultra-low temperature freezer and defines astorage chamber 22. In some embodiments, thefreezer 20 is operable to maintain thestorage chamber 22 at a temperature less than about −70° C. and, in some embodiments, between about −70 and −86° C. Exemplary freezers include the REVCO™ brand Ultima Freezer™ freezer available from Thermo Electron Corp. of Asheville, N.C. - One or more of the
racks 28 may be optionally provided in thefreezer chamber 22 to support thefreezer boxes 30. Exemplary racks include the 6112-1 racks available from Thermo Electron Corp. of Asheville, N.C. In addition to or in place of therack 28, thefreezer 20 may be provided with shelves. - The
freezer 20 may be provided with one or more of thefreezer boxes 30. With reference toFIG. 2 , anexemplary freezer box 30 is shown therein. Thefreezer box 30 includes anouter case 32 defining amain cavity 32A and agrid 34 defining a plurality or matrix of cells orslots 36. Eachslot 36 has a width W3 (FIG. 3 ), a length L3 (FIG. 3 ), and a height H3 (FIG. 2 ). - The multi-vial assembly 100 (
FIGS. 4-9 ) includes a support subassembly 102, asleeve 140 and a plurality of microvials orvials 150A-H (generally referred to herein as the vials 150). Thevials 150A-H collectively form a set or array 151 (FIG. 6 ) of vials. - The support assembly 102 includes a top plate or
member 110, a bottom plate ormember 120, and a coupling member orlock pin 130. Thetop member 110 has alower surface 112 and acoupling hole 114 extending therethrough. Thehole 114 is surrounded by anupstanding flange 114A. Thebottom plate 120 has anupper surface 122 and alower surface 123. A plurality ofvial slots 124 are defined in theupper surface 122 and acam feature 128 is located on thelower surface 123. Indicia may be provided in or adjacent eachvial slot 124 to identify or index the vial slot locations. Acoupling hole 126 extends through thebottom member 120. - The
locking pin 130 includes a shaft orbody 132 having ahandle 134 on one end and alatch feature 136 on an opposing end. Thelocking pin 130 may be formed of bent wire of a suitable metal such as stainless steel. - The
sleeve 140 is tubular and, in the illustrated embodiment, is square in cross-section. Thesleeve 140 may include readable orvisible indicia 142 representing data relating to theassembly 100 so that thesleeve 140 serves as a label for theassembly 100. Theindicia 142 may include a one- or two-dimensional bar code, for example. According to some embodiments, thesleeve 140 is formed of a polymeric material. Suitable materials for thesleeve 140 may include any suitable material such as a clear, thin material of the type used for shrink wrap tubing. According to some embodiments, thesleeve 140 is formed of TEFLON (PTFE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). According to some embodiments, thesleeve 140 has a thickness T5 (FIG. 7 ) in the range of from about 0.05 to 0.15 mm. - The
vials 150A-H may be substantially identical to one another or of different configurations. Anexemplary vial 150A is shown in detail inFIG. 8 . Thevial 150A defines asample chamber 152 and atop opening 154 communicating with thechamber 152. A lower portion of thevial 150A defines a coupling feature orbase plug 156. - The vials 150 may be formed of any suitable material. According to some embodiments, the vials 150 are formed of a polymeric material. According to some embodiments, the vials 150 are formed of polypropylene.
- Each vial 150 has a width W1 (
FIG. 7 ), a length L1 (FIG. 7 ), and a height H1 (FIG. 8 ). According to some embodiments, the width W1 and length L1 are in the range of from about 2 to 3.8 mm, and the height H1 is within range of from about 25 to 35 mm. According to some embodiments, the volume of eachchamber 152 is less than or equal to 200 μl and, according to some embodiments, is in the range of from about 100 to 200 μl. - The
multi-vial assembly 100 may be assembled as follows. Samples as desired are deposited in thechamber 152 of each vial 150. Eachvial 150A-H is seated in arespective vial slot 124 by itsbase plug 156, before or after receiving a sample. Thetop member 110 is placed over the top ends of thevials 150A-H.The locking pin 130 is inserted through theholes vial array 151. Thehandle 134 is notated to force thelatch feature 136 against thecam 128 to thereby load or compress the top andbottom members vials 150A-H. In this way, thecomponents FIG. 5 . Thevial end openings 154 may be sealed by engagement between thevials 150A-H and thelower surface 112. Optionally, a sealing member may be provided on thelower surface 112 or eachvial 150A-H may be individually sealed by a respective cap. Thesleeve 140 may thereafter be slid over the vial assembly 153 as shown inFIG. 4 . - The assembled
multi-vial assembly 100 may then be slid lengthwise into aslot 36 of thefreezer box 30 as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 . Thefreezer box 30 can be deployed in thefreezer 20 in conventional manner. - When it is desired to access a sample, the
assembly 100 is withdrawn from thefreezer box slot 36. The locking pin handle 134 may be used to assist in removal, such as by grasping or engaging thehandle 134 with a hook. Thelocking pin 130 is counter-rotated and withdrawn from themembers top member 110 can then be lifted and the selected vial or vials 150 can be independently removed from thebottom member 120. Thetop member 110, lockingpin 130 andsleeve 140 can be reinstalled to reassemble theassembly 100, after which theassembly 100 can be re-inserted in thefreezer box slot 36 and re-stored in thefreezer chamber 22. - According to some embodiments, the width W2 and length L2 (
FIG. 7 ) of themulti-vial assembly 100 are between about 0.1 and 4 mm less than the corresponding width W3 and length L3 of thefreezer box slot 36. According to some embodiments, the height 112 (FIG. 4 ) of theassembly 100 is between about 1 and 10 mm less than the height H3 of thefreezer box slot 36. According to some embodiments, theassembly 100 occupies at least 50% of the horizontal cross-sectional area of thefreezer box slot 36. - According to some embodiments, the width W2 and length L2 are each less than 12 mm and, according to some embodiments, are each in the range of from about 8 to 12 mm. According to some embodiments, the height H2 is in the range of from about 25 to 48 mm.
- According to some embodiments and as illustrated, the
multi-vial assembly 100 is substantially rectangular or square in cross-section so that the shape thereof is complementary in size and shape to thefreezer box slot 36. In this manner, theassembly 100 can ensure that the vials 150 are maintained upright and the available volume of theslot 36 can be used more efficiently. However, in some embodiments, themulti-vial assembly 100 may have a different cross-sectional shape, such as a round or square shape with beveled or rounded corners. - With reference to
FIGS. 10-15 , acryostorage system 12 according to further embodiments of the invention is shown therein. Thesystem 12 includes thefreezer 20, therack 28, and thefreezer box 30, and differs from thecryostorage system 10 in that themulti-vial assemblies 100 are replaced withmulti-vial assemblies 200, an exemplary one of which is shown in greater detail inFIGS. 11-15 . - With reference to
FIGS. 11-15 , themulti-vial assembly 200 includes a multi-vial subassembly or unit 204 (FIG. 13 ) and a sleeve 240 (FIG. 12 ). Generally, theunit 204 includes a plurality ofindividual vials 210A-E (generally referred to herein as the vials 210) that are stacked and coupled to one another to form an integrated series or tower of vials. Thesleeve 240 may be mounted around theunit 204. - The vials 210 may be substantially identical or may vary in sample capacity, for example. An
exemplary vial 210A is shown in detail inFIGS. 14 and 15 . Thevial 210A includes abody 212 defining asample chamber 214 and atop opening 216 effectively communicating with thechamber 214. An upper post orflange 220 extends upwardly from thebody 212 and hasmale threads 222 formed thereabout. A bore orsocket 224 is defined in the lower portion of thebody 212 and hasfemale threads 226 formed therein complementary to thethreads 222. - The vials 210 may be formed of the same materials as described above with regard to the vials 150.
- Each
vial 210A-E may haveindicia 217 corresponding to theindicia 157. - The
vial chamber 214 includes amain vial chamber 214A and an annularlower subchamber 214B. According to some embodiments, eachvial chamber 214 has a volume in the range of from about 100 to 400 μl. - The
sleeve 240 is tubular and, in the illustrated embodiment, circular in cross-section. Thesleeve 240 may includeindicia 242 corresponding to theindicia 142 described above. Additionally, indicia may also be fabricated on or affixed to the individual vials themselves, in which case, thesleeve 240 could be optional. Thesleeve 240 may be formed of the same materials as described above with regard to thesleeve 140. - The
multi-vial assembly 200 may be assembled and used as follows. A respective sample A (FIG. 15 ) is deposited in thechamber 214 of eachvial 210A-D and thenext vial 210B-E in the stacking sequence is mounted therein (i.e., by screwing theflange 220 into the socket 224) to serve as a cap on the underlying filled vial. That is, the base of eachvial 210B-E serves as a cap for the vial below. For example, thevial 210A is filled with a sample A and thevial 210B is screwed onto thevial 210A to seal theopening 216 of thevial 210A, then thevial 210B is filled with a sample A and thevial 210C is screwed onto thevial 210B to seal theopening 216 of the 210B, and so forth. Theuppermost vial 210E of theunit 204 may remain empty and open and serve to facilitate handling of theunit 240. For example, a user may grasp theflange 220 and/or may pull theunit 204 using a hook or other implement inserted into thechamber 214 of thevial 210E through theopening 216 thereof. - Once the
unit 204 is assembled (FIG. 13 ), theunit 204 can be inserted into thesleeve 240 as shown inFIG. 11 . Themulti-vial assembly 200 can be installed in aslot 36 of the freezer box 30 (FIG. 10 ), which can be placed in thefreezer chamber 22 as described above. - When a user desires to access a sample, the
assembly 200 is withdrawn from thefreezer box slot 36. Thesleeve 240 is removed from theunit 204. The user may then unscrew and independently remove a selected vial 201A-D from the remaining vials of theunit 204 to access the contents of the removed vial. Typically, the user will remove the lower endmost vial; however, other removal sequences may be employed. - After the desired vial or
vials 210A-D have been removed, thesleeve 240 can be re-placed on theunit 204 and theassembly 200 can be re-installed in thefreezer box slot 36 and thefreezer 20. - According to some embodiments, the outer diameter D4 (
FIG. 14 ) of themulti-vial assembly 200 is between about 0.2 and 4 mm less than the width W3 or length L3 of theslot 36. According to some embodiments, theheight 114 of theassembly 200 is between about 1 to 10 mm less than the height H3 of theslot 36. - According to some embodiments, the
assembly 200 occupies at least 50% of the horizontal cross-sectional area of thefreezer box slot 36. According to some embodiments, the diameter D4 is in the range of from about 6 to 12 mm. According to same embodiments, the height H4 (FIG. 11 ) is in the range of from about 25 to 48 mm. - The
vials 210A-E may have heights and outer diameters appropriate to provide the above-described dimensions and to fit snugly within thesleeve 240. According to some embodiments, theassembly 200 includes at least three vials 210, according to some embodiments, at least five vials 210, and, according to some embodiments, at least nine vials. For example,FIG. 16 shows an alternativemulti-vial unit 304 including ninevials 310A-I (FIG. 17 ) configured and stacked in the same manner as thevials 210A-E except that thevials 310A-I each have a lesser height than thevials 210A-E. - Optionally, seal members may be provided between the
adjacent vials 210A-E. For example, parafilm, a cap liner, O-rings or Teflon seals may be provided to resist leakage, evaporation or “freezer burn”. In some cases (not shown) a separate plug or stopper may be provided for each vial 210 and may include a pull tab to assist in removal. - With reference to
FIG. 18 , avial 410 according to further embodiments of the invention is shown therein. Thevial 410 may be used in the same manner as thevials 210A-E and differs from thevials 210A-E in that thevial 410 has aconical protrusion 418 extending into thesocket 424 and a solid, annular,lower flange 419. The chamber 415 has amain subchamber 414A and a conical or taperedlower subchamber 414B. Thevial 410 may be beneficial in that it may facilitate centrifugation and permit easier assess to very small samples (e.g., less than 25 μl). - As further alternatives, the
multi-vial assemblies sleeves assemblies - According to some embodiments, the
vials 210, 310, 410 may be provided with texturing or features such as fins that facilitate grasping and rotating the vials to screw and unscrew the vials. - According to some embodiments, the
individual vials 150, 210, 310, 410 may each include respective label indicia directly secured to or embedded therein to identify the vial. Similarly, thesleeves indicia FIG. 5 , the vials 150 each haveindividual labels 157 bearing indicia, and as shown inFIG. 13 , the vials 210 each have individual embossedindicia 217. A log or database (e.g., a registry) may be maintained to record the contents of or other information relating to each vial or selected vials. Each vial can be identified in the log or database using data represented by theindicia sleeves 140, 240) with correlation to thesleeve indicia indicia 142 of a selected vial 150 to access the record for the vial. The record may include, for example, an identification of the contents A of the vial 150 as well as related information (e.g., dates and times of deposit and retrieval of the vial 150 and the sample A to and from the freezer). Thus, a group of samples or aliquots can be conveniently labeled and identified as a group (using theindicia 142, 242) and individually (using theindicia 157, 217) as needed. - Because the bottom of each
vial 210, 310, 410 is flat and the height is greatly reduced, the center of gravity of the vial is very low in comparison to conventional microfuge tubes and the vial provides a stable base. Thesevials 210, 310, 410 may thus permit pipetting without a rack and/or the vials may be mounted in a “stocks”-type frame to enable easy organization similar to 96-well plate configurations and to facilitate use of automated sample handing systems. - Multi-vial assemblies and cryostorage systems as described herein can enable the storage of multiple solid (e.g., paper strips or tissue) or liquid (e.g., serum or plasma) biological samples in the same space currently required for storage of a single specimen in a conventional microfuge tube. Each multi-vial assembly may be configured to fit into an individual slot of a commercially available cryostorage “freezer box” designed for 2 ml cryovials (i.e., of the type typically stored in −80° C. freezers or liquid nitrogen tanks). For example, each multi-vial assembly may have a nominal diameter of about 12 mm and a height of about 47 mm, consistent with current cryostorage devices. Liquid samples captured in the individual vials (e.g., each having a capacity of 100 to 400 microliters) of a multi-vial assembly can be stored and removed from storage independently, without thawing the remaining samples in the multi-vial assembly.
- A removable plastic sleeve supporting a barcode label or other identification label can serve to maintain the orientation of the vials, protect users from liquid nitrogen-related vial ruptures, and/or allow exchange of the labeling without sample freeze-thaw.
- Multi-vial assemblies and cryostorage systems of the present invention can not only conserve valuable cryogenic storage space, but can also provide more sample aliquots that have not been repeatedly freeze-thawed, and can provide storage volumes more consistent with testing devices that increasingly are designed for smaller sample volumes.
- The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
Claims (23)
1. A multi-vial assembly for containing a plurality of samples in a cryostorage system, the multi-vial assembly comprising:
a plurality of vials each defining a vial chamber to hold a respective sample and coupled together to form an integral vial assembly;
wherein the vials are independently removable from the integral vial assembly to permit selective access to the respective samples.
2. The multi-vial assembly of claim 1 wherein the multi-vial assembly is sized to removably and replaceably fit within a microfuge tube slot of a freezer box.
3. The multi-vial assembly of claim 1 wherein each of the vial chambers of the vials has a capacity in the range of from about 100 to 200 μl.
4. The multi-vial assembly of claim 1 wherein the multi-vial assembly has a height in the range of from about 25 to 48 mm, and a width in the range of from about 8 to 12 mm.
5. The multi-vial assembly of claim 1 including a sleeve removably surrounding the integral vial assembly.
6. The multi-vial assembly of claim 5 including identification indicia on the sleeve.
7. The multi-vial assembly of claim 5 further including identification indicia on each of the vials.
8. The multi-vial assembly of claim 1 including a support assembly supporting and coupling the vials, the support assembly including at least one support member to receive and hold the vials.
9. The multi-vial assembly of claim 8 wherein the support assembly holds the vials in fixed relation to one another.
10. The multi-vial assembly of claim 9 wherein:
the support member includes a plurality of first mounting features;
the vials each include a second mounting feature configured to engage a respective one of the first mounting features to positively position the vial on the support member; and
the first mounting features are one of plugs and sockets, and the second mounting features are the other of plugs and sockets.
11. The multi-vial assembly of claim 9 wherein:
the support assembly includes a top support member and a bottom support member engaging upper and lower ends of the vials, respectively; and
the top member serves as a closure for the vial chambers of the vials.
12. The multi-vial assembly of claim 9 wherein the support assembly includes a locking member selectively operable to secure the support assembly to the vials and release the support assembly from the vials.
13. The multi-vial assembly of claim 8 including a sleeve removably surrounding the integral vial assembly and the support assembly.
14. The multi-vial assembly of claim 1 wherein the vials are stacked on one another to form the integral vial assembly.
15. The multi-vial assembly of claim 14 wherein the stacked vials are directly coupled to one another.
16. The multi-vial assembly of claim 15 wherein:
the vials each include an integral inner screw thread and an integral outer screw thread; and
the stacked vials are directly coupled to one another by threaded engagement between their respective inner and outer screw threads.
17. The multi-vial assembly of claim 15 wherein at least one of the stacked vials serves as a closure for the vial chamber of another, immediately adjacent one of the stacked vials.
18. The multi-vial assembly of claim 1 wherein each of the vial chambers includes an upper main subchamber and a tapered lower subchamber.
19. The multi-vial assembly of claim 1 wherein the vials are formed of polypropylene.
20. A method for storing and handling a plurality of samples in a cryostorage freezer, the method comprising:
providing a multi-vial assembly including:
a plurality of vials each defining a vial chamber to hold a respective sample and coupled together to form an integral vial assembly;
wherein the vials are independently removable from the integral vial assembly to permit selective access to the respective samples;
placing the samples in respective ones of the vial chambers;
placing the multi-vial assembly in a freezer chamber of a cryostorage freezer; and
selectively removing one or more of the vials from the multi-vial assembly to selectively access the samples placed in the vial chambers of the removed vials.
21. The method of claim 20 including:
providing a freezer box defining a plurality of microfuge tube slots;
seating the multi-vial assembly in one of the microfuge tube slots;
removing the multi-vial assembly from the microfuge tube slot; and thereafter
removing the one or more of the vials from the multi-vial assembly to selectively access the samples placed in the vial chambers of the removed vials.
22. A microsample cryostorage system for containing a plurality of samples, the microsample cryostorage system comprising:
a cryostorage freezer having a freezer chamber; and
a multi-vial assembly disposed in the freezer chamber and including:
a plurality of vials each defining a vial chamber to hold a respective sample and coupled together to form an integral vial assembly;
wherein the vials are independently removable from the integral vial assembly to permit selective access to the respective samples.
23. The microsample cryostorage system of claim 22 including a freezer box disposed in the freezer chamber and defining a plurality of microfuge tube slots, wherein the multi-vial assembly is removably seated within one of the microfuge tube slots.
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US13/977,878 US20140014550A1 (en) | 2011-01-06 | 2011-12-14 | Microsample cryostorage systems and methods |
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US201161430292P | 2011-01-06 | 2011-01-06 | |
US13/977,878 US20140014550A1 (en) | 2011-01-06 | 2011-12-14 | Microsample cryostorage systems and methods |
PCT/US2011/064877 WO2012094114A2 (en) | 2011-01-06 | 2011-12-14 | Microsample cryostorage systems and methods |
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US20130327734A1 (en) * | 2012-06-08 | 2013-12-12 | Tina Ting-Yuan Wang | Storage Systems for Milk Bags |
US20160153703A1 (en) * | 2014-08-14 | 2016-06-02 | Sharon Jones | Freezer Rack |
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WO2016178635A1 (en) * | 2015-05-06 | 2016-11-10 | National University Hospital (Singapore) Pte Ltd | Vials for storage of biological samples |
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US9861987B2 (en) | 2014-01-15 | 2018-01-09 | Labcyte Inc. | Roughly cylindrical sample containers having multiple reservoirs therein and being adapted for acoustic ejections |
CN109229712B (en) * | 2018-07-09 | 2020-12-29 | 钟丽菊 | Food storage device |
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US20130327734A1 (en) * | 2012-06-08 | 2013-12-12 | Tina Ting-Yuan Wang | Storage Systems for Milk Bags |
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WO2012094114A2 (en) | 2012-07-12 |
WO2012094114A3 (en) | 2012-08-30 |
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