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Case Study | Jessa Ziekenhuis

Increasing freezer space capacity

Introducing Jessa Ziekenhuis

The University Biobank Limburg (UBiLim) is a collaboration between Jessa Hospital in Hasselt, Hasselt University, and Hospital East-Limburg in Genk, Belgium. It serves as a crucial repository for biomedical research, housing approximately 130,000 plasma and serum samples. The biobank supports a diverse range of research areas, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS), cancer, and rehabilitation. This case study delves into UBiLim’s operations, focusing on its sample storage methodologies, data management practices, and the integration of innovative storage solutions to enhance efficiency and research outcomes.

About UBiLim

Establishment and growth

UBiLim was established to provide a centralized resource for researchers, enabling access to a vast array of biological samples. Over the years, the biobank has seen significant growth, with an annual addition of around 20,000 new samples. Currently, about 10% of the 130,000 samples are used for research, mostly requested after two years of storage. The oldest sample dates back to 2008.

The Biobank’s main source for their samples is from their patients, who participate in studies that take place at one of their many hospitals.
Blood samples are collected, processed, and stored following strict protocols to ensure their integrity and usability for future research. Upon collection, each sample undergoes initial processing. Critical data associated with each sample, such as the time and date of collection, processing details, and unique identification codes, are meticulously recorded. This comprehensive data collection ensures traceability and facilitates efficient sample retrieval.

Blood samples are collected, processed, and stored following strict protocols to ensure their integrity and usability for future research. Upon collection, each sample undergoes initial processing. Critical data associated with each sample, such as the time and date of collection, processing details, and unique identification codes, are meticulously recorded. This comprehensive data collection ensures traceability and facilitates efficient sample retrieval.

Transition to Smaller Storage Tubes

Originally, UBiLim used larger tubes for sample storage, which often resulted in unnecessary wastage. Recognizing the need for more efficient storage solutions, UBiLim transitioned to using smaller Micronic tubes with TPE-Capclusters. This significantly reduced sample wastage and optimized freezer space utilization.

Integration of Micronic Storage Solutions

Advantages of Micronic Tubes

Kimberly Vanhees, the Operational Manager of UBiLim, highlighted the benefits of the Micronic storage solutions: “The researchers often only need a small amount of the sample for the analysis. Before the Micronic tubes, we used larger sizes, and a lot of the sample would be disposed of after analysis. To avoid this, we have been storing the tubes in smaller sizes, so there is no spillage of the sample anymore. In addition, using a low-volume sample storage tube, we can arrange our -80°C freezer neatly and efficiently.”

 

Space Optimization

Micronic’s low covers on the racks for capped tubes further enhance storage efficiency. By minimizing the space between the sample tube and the rack, these solutions enable UBiLim to maximize the storage capacity of their freezers. Vanhees explained, “Some other brands in the market also offer smaller tube sizes and septum caps, but the space left between the sample tube and the rack makes it less efficient than with the Micronic racks. The Micronic racks make it possible to upscale the storage capacity of our freezers.”

Reaching More Researchers

A goal of the biobank is to reach more external researchers to utilize their samples. Mrs. Vanhees noted, “At the moment, mostly researchers from within the hospital and university are using the samples that are stored in the biobank for their research, but external researchers are more than welcome to use the samples as well if they fit their criteria.” UBiLim is listed on the online platform BBMRI-ERIC, which collects and makes information available about biobanks throughout Europe willing to share their data and/or samples and collaborate with other research groups.

Conclusion

The University Biobank Limburg (UBiLim) has advanced its biomedical research by adopting Micronic’s advanced storage solutions. UBiLim has significantly enhanced its storage efficiency, reduced sample wastage, and optimized its freezer space, which is crucial for supporting extensive and diverse research initiatives. The meticulous data management practices ensure the integrity and traceability of the samples.

Overall, UBiLim’s journey reflects the critical role biobanks play in facilitating high-quality research and underscores the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation in scientific endeavors.

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