What Can Be Stored in a Lab Freezer?

Lab freezers are specialised refrigeration units designed for the storage of sensitive materials in scientific, medical, and industrial settings.

Differing from standard household freezers, lab freezers offer more precise temperature control and a wider range of features.

Understanding Laboratory Freezers

Some lab freezers are designed to achieve regular freezer temperatures (-16^oC to -24^oC), whereas some, known as ultra low temperature freezers, are designed to achieve extremely low temperatures usually between -40^oC and -86^oC. These ultra-low temperatures slow down biological activity and chemical reactions, preserving samples for extended periods.

At CoolMed, our lab freezers are constructed using materials and components that are non-sparking and have low electrical conductivity. This ensures a spark-free interior, which is particularly important in laboratory settings where flammable or explosive materials may be stored.

Our lab freezers are also designed to be resistant to corrosion and contamination. Their seamless interior ensures there are no joints or crevices that can harbour contaminants or allow moisture to accumulate, and the high-quality insulation we use ensures stable temperatures are maintained, preventing condensation inside the freezer.

We also offer a lab fridge freezer for organisations and industries that have limited space and require both reliable refrigeration and freezing capabilities.

Here’s an overview of the diverse range of materials that can be stored in a laboratory freezer:

1. Biological Samples

One of the primary uses of laboratory freezers is the storage of biological samples. These may include:

• Cell Lines: Cultured cells used in research or for the production of biologics and therapeutics.
• Tissues: Preserved tissue samples for histological or pathological studies.
• DNA & RNA: Genetic material used for molecular biology research, genetic testing, and diagnostics.
• Proteins: Isolated proteins used in biochemical and pharmaceutical research.

Maintaining these samples at specific low temperatures helps preserve their viability, functionality, and integrity. Freezing slows down biological activity, reducing degradation and allowing for long-term storage.

2. Clinical Specimens

Lab freezers are commonly used to store clinical specimens in medical and diagnostic settings. These specimens include:

• Blood & Serum: Samples collected for routine testing, disease diagnosis, or research.
• Plasma: The liquid component of blood used for various medical and research purposes.
• Urine: Collected for urinalysis, drug testing, or research studies.
• Biological Fluids: Cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, or other bodily fluids used for diagnostic or research purposes.

Proper storage at specific temperatures preserves the integrity of these specimens, ensuring accurate results and facilitating future testing, if needed.

3. Pharmaceuticals

Certain medications and pharmaceutical products require specific storage conditions to maintain their stability and effectiveness. Laboratory freezers can accommodate the storage of:

• Vaccines: Many vaccines, such as the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, require cold storage to remain potent.
• Biologics: Therapeutic proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and other biologically derived medications.
• Investigational Drugs: Experimental drugs being tested in clinical trials.
• Controlled Substances: Narcotics or medications with potential for abuse, requiring secure storage.

Maintaining the recommended temperature range ensures the pharmaceutical products retain their potency and efficacy, safeguarding patient health.

4. Enzymes & Reagents

Laboratory freezers are ideal for storing enzymes, reagents, and other biochemical substances commonly used in research and diagnostic laboratories. These include:

• Enzymes: Biological catalysts used in various biochemical reactions.
• Antibodies: Essential components in immunoassays and protein detection.
• Nucleotides: Building blocks of DNA and RNA used in molecular biology research.
• Buffers and Solutions: Chemical formulations used in laboratory procedures.

Proper storage conditions, particularly low temperatures, prevent degradation and maintain the stability and functionality of these valuable reagents.

5. Specialty Items

In addition to healthcare products, laboratory freezers can also store specialty items, such as:

• Animal and Plant Samples: Preserved animal or plant tissues used in taxonomic studies or research.
• Cryopreserved Materials: Sperm, eggs, embryos, and other reproductive materials stored for assisted reproductive technology or species conservation.
• Forensic Evidence: Biological samples collected at crime scenes, preserving crucial evidence for analysis and legal proceedings.
• Research Samples: Unique or rare samples collected during fieldwork or scientific expeditions, stored for future analysis and reference.

These specialised items often require specific temperature ranges and storage conditions to ensure their viability, integrity, and usefulness for future studies.

Contact Us

Laboratory freezers are a versatile and vital piece of equipment for the storage of a wide range of materials within the scientific research and healthcare industries. Whether it’s biological samples, clinical specimens, pharmaceuticals, enzymes, or specialty items, these freezers provide the controlled environments necessary to maintain the integrity and viability of the stored materials.

Our lab freezers are always in stock and available for next day delivery! Please call 0161 772 5666, or email info@coolmed.co.uk if you’d like to place an order. Our full range of laboratory fridges and freezers can also be found and ordered here: https://www.coolmed.co.uk/medical-refrigerators/laboratory-fridges-and-freezers/.