Safeguards
The Cell Center takes several steps in order to ensure the safety of your sample:
- Multiple Aliquots are made of each specimen.
- Aliquots are stored in at least 2 separate freezers.
- Freezers are fitted with a state-of-the-art alarm system complete with a call feature.
- Freezers are under a 24-hour service contract.
- Cell culture procedures are done in P2 facility according to strict industry standards.
- Sample information, including date, sample code, investigator, and specimen description are recorded in a computerized relational database.
- Bar-coded sample labels are made of a material that is impervious to mechanical trauma and liquid nitrogen.
- Our laboratory is approved for sample processing and storage by the Joint Committe for Clinical Investigation of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.
- Frozen cell lines created by the Cell Center are thawed and checked for growth rate, viability, and contamination.
- Random sets of frozen samples are pulled from the freezers and checked against the computer listing quarterly.
- Staff adheres to schedule for required training.
- Policies and procedures are documented in SOPs that are reviewed every 1-2 years and updated and changed as required.
- The repository is subjected to audits by internal departments and external clients.