Recently, a leading global life sciences enterprise and renowned biotechnology and pharmaceutical R&D CRO firm took an industry-leading step by introducing Genepoint Snorkel automated freezers. The company comprehensively upgraded its sample management workflow with an intelligent ultra-low temperature storage system, becoming one of the first CRO companies in China to implement automated freezers for sample storage and management.
As an industry leader in gene synthesis and biopharmaceutical R&D services, the company is dedicated to accelerating the development of innovative therapies and drugs for both research and corporate clients. Its daily operations involve managing a vast number of client samples, where the accuracy and efficiency of sample management directly affect project timelines and client satisfaction.
However, traditional ultra-low temperature freezers depend on manual operation: sample location relies on visual identification, and storage and retrieval depend on manual recording. These challenges not only slow down order response times but also pose significant risks to sample safety and data integrity.
To address these challenges, the company took the lead in deploying Genepoint's Snorkel -80°C automated freezers. More than just freezers, Snorkel units serve as a "transformation engine" for sample management workflows. With three core advantages, they significantly enhance sample management efficiency and facilitate digital upgrades, creating a "high-speed channel" for sample access.
Adapting to diverse practical usage scenarios, Snorkel's integrated sample management system significantly enhances the speed and accuracy of sample retrieval.
Ultra-fast search and retrieval:Samples can be quickly located and retrieved with a single click through device storage location views, data condition filtering, and remark information retrieval.
Sample in-situ return:The system automatically records the position information of removed samples within the rack. When the rack is reinserted, it can be returned to its original storage position with a single click.
Dedicated storage space:Each user logs in using a password or facial recognition. Dedicated storage space is ensured by setting account permissions, preventing unauthorized personnel from accessing other users' samples.
Digital upgrading has long been a challenge for consumables without QR codes, such as EP tubes, ELISA plates, PCR plates, centrifuge tubes, and even paper boxes. At this company, Snorkel enables easy digital management without the need to replace consumables.
Sample storage with "Magic Box" adapters: Serving as an adapter between different consumables, Snorkel's supporting "Magic Box" enables box-based digital management of samples.
Top snapshot compatible with handwritten labels: Snorkel automatically captures a top snapshot when samples are stored, enabling quick identification and confirmation of target samples before retrieval. It clearly captures handwritten labels, completely eliminating freeze-thaw damage caused by repeated searching.
Manual recording of extensive operations, once necessary with traditional freezers, is now obsolete. Snorkel offers complete traceability of all sample access data, maintaining clear records of personnel activities. It also supports dual-person verification for sample retrieval, ensuring the security of both samples and information. Additionally:
Eliminating manual defrosting:Its ingenious structural design effectively reduces thermal convection and naturally blocks moisture ingress. Combined with an air-cooled automatic dehumidification and defrosting system, it eliminates the need for manual defrosting.
LIMS integration and cross-equipment collaboration:Supports one-click ordering and centralized sample data management through LIMS integration. It also enables collaborative sample operations across multiple equipment via the LIMS system, significantly enhancing operational and management efficiency.
Notably, when using Snorkel Pro—a fully automatic tube-picking model—with DM-coded tubes, the "appointment retrieval" feature can be enabled. This system pre-picks tubes in batches and places them into transfer racks in advance, eliminating on-site waiting for operators and increasing retrieval efficiency by more than 95%.
As an intelligent storage device, the Snorkel automated freezer offers robust equipment linkage compatibility. In addition to enabling interconnection among multiple Snorkel units through "Overhead Hoist Transfer" (OHT), it can seamlessly integrate with other laboratory automation equipment, such as automated liquid handling workstations, high-throughput detection systems, and sample aliquoting equipment. This integration creates a fully intelligent experimental environment and significantly enhances management efficiency.
This end-to-end intelligent linkage eliminates manual interruptions between processes and enables "unmanned" sample flow from preparation and storage to detection. It significantly shortens experimental cycles, reduces human errors, and provides a more efficient solution to meet the high-throughput, high-precision demands of biopharmaceutical R&D.
Currently, ultra low-temperature sample storage and management in CRO enterprises are undergoing a comprehensive transition from manual operations to intelligent control. The Snorkel automated freezer and its integrated solution not only address existing challenges in ultra low-temperature sample handling but also establish the foundational network for organizational digital transformation.
Genepoint looks forward to partnering with more industry pioneers to strengthen the foundation of life science research through innovative technologies, maximize the value of every sample, and provide robust support for every scientific endeavor.
