Streamline Biobank Operations With Automated Sample Handling

18 Automate High-Turn & High-Volume Clinical Samples to Maximize Benefits Evaluation of Collections for Automated Sample Handling and Storage in a Biobank with Diverse Sample Sets Automating Clinical Collections • ~70% of samples are in 2mL cryovials • 85% of samples ship within 3 years • Diverse cryovial types are possible with the right automation tools Use the QR to learn more about Azenta Storage Solutions A multivariant analysis was performed that took into consideration storage temperature, cryovial volume, cryovial size, label format, label application practices and expected utilization. Volume and cryovial size were obtained from the sample management system (SMS), while cryovial type required a physical assessment to capture manufacturer and catalog number of the cryovials being received. Sample utilization was evaluated taking into consideration the age of the sample in the biobank. Method Clinical biobanks have used automated sample handling and storage solutions for more than a decade supporting large observational and population-based studies. They have accomplished this by use of standardized consumables. However, many clinical biobanks have diverse collections that change over time. The biobank is not typically empowered to use select consumables and must be able to accommodate multiple types. Furthermore, common practice at the clinical sites processing the samples is to add handwritten information to ‘sticky’ labels applied to the cryovials that are often not automation friendly. Background Azenta.com Seventy percent of the samples received were in 2 mL cryovials from 5 different manufacturers. Different color High Density (HD) trays were designed to allow for easy visual segregation of the cryovial types by biobank technicians in the automated store to ensure effectiveness of the tube pickers used in the sample handling process. Specific collections were chosen for prioritization of automated storage based on utilization practices. It was found that 85% of samples requested for retrieval were requested within 3 years of sample receipt. Results Automation of sample handling and storage is possible in clinical biobanks that support diverse studies. Through analysis of physical properties associated with samples received and assessment of utilization patterns, automation can be employed to reduce labor efforts and improve compliance and space efficiency in diverse clinical biobanks. Conclusion J. Gore, Z. Kogler, D. Montano, J. Luo, K. Shea, Azenta Life Sciences Consumables Chosen for Azenta Clinical BioStore #1, Indiana Consumables used in Clinical Sample Environment- Candidates for Vial, Tube or Box level Automation ISBER 2023 Annual Meeting, PA-07 18 Customer Code % of Grand Total Received Sample Est. # of Inbound Packages Customer #1 15.5% 437,926 8,827 Customer #2 11.6% 325,492 10,485 Customer #3 9.1% 257,649 6,876 Customer #4 8.8% 246,800 4,262 Customer #5 7.6% 213,473 4,921 Customer #6 7.2% 202,054 12,294 Customer #7 5.2% 145,356 5,031 Customer #8 4.3% 122,501 1,720 Customer #9 2.7% 76,376 1,095 Customer #10 2.7% 75,413 853 Customer #11 2.0% 57,621 395 Customer #12 2.0% 56,001 2,337 Customer #13 1.6% 44,679 1,279 Inbound Samples Outbound Samples Customer Code % of Grand Total # of Samples # of Outbound Packages Customer #1 15.5% 69,020 1,334 Customer #3 13.3% 58,885 714 Customer #6 10.4% 45,990 768 Customer #14 7.2% 32,115 381 Customer #7 6.9% 30,584 626 Customer #15 6.7% 29,846 305 Customer #5 5.8% 25,776 390 Customer #2 5.7% 25,281 382 Customer #16 3.9% 17,222 195 Customer #17 3.0% 13,370 156 Customer #18 2.2% 9,645 124