Do you offer Thermo Scientific storage tubes for storing light-sensitive samples?
We offer the following 0.5 mL and 1.0 mL Matrix 2D ScrewTop amber-colored resin storage tubes with red screw caps:
Cat. No.; Description; Quantity
3741AMB; 1.0 mL, Amber, 2D Barcoded, V-bottom, ScrewTop with caps, Sterile; 5 latch racks of 96/case
3742AMB; 1.0 mL, Amber, 2D Barcoded, V-bottom, ScrewTop without caps, Sterile; 5 latch racks of 96/case
3743AMB; 0.5 mL, Amber, 2D Barcoded, V-bottom, ScrewTop with caps, Sterile; 5 latch racks of 96/case
3745AMB; 0.5 mL, Amber, 2D Barcoded, V-bottom, ScrewTop without caps, Sterile; 5 latch racks of 96/case
How do you prevent 2D barcode duplication during manufacturing and ensure quality control of the Thermo Scientific 2D barcoded storage tubes?
The 2D barcode laser etching software includes algorithms that prevent the barcode generator from ever counting backwards, subsequently preventing the re-etching of any previously generated barcode. To verify the above procedure, several quality control checks are performed on the 2D barcodes including:
- Checking for light transmission through the barcode as light transmission will reduce readability
- Inspecting the barcode under magnification
- Reading the barcode on a full rack 2D barcode reader
- Checking the barcode against a database of previously etched 2D barcodes
As the above quality control steps are completed, defective storage tubes are discarded, replaced, and re-checked, ensuring that the 2D barcodes are 100% readable and have not been previously used. This quality control process is the reason why we cannot guarantee sequential 2D barcode printing within a single rack of 2D barcoded products.
Can the barcodes on the Thermo Scientific 2D barcoded storage tubes be damaged by chemicals or by exposure to extreme temperatures?
The Thermo Scientific 2D barcoded storage tubes have been subjected in-house to consecutive liquid nitrogen freeze-thaws followed by submersion in boiling water. These tests did not cause any damage to the 2D barcode.
The 2D barcodes are made of the same material as the storage tubes and are resistant to standard lab chemicals.
The 2D barcode has a built-in ECC200 error barcode correction, which ensures that a damaged barcode is still readable as long as less than 25% of the barcode is missing.
What are the main advantages of the Thermo Scientific 2D barcoded storage system?
Here are some advantages of the 2D barcoded storage system:
- Less time needed for labeling, sample recording, and retrieval
- Maximize freezer utilization while keeping storage space organised
- Ensures a safe, permanent ID of a sample
- Enables multivial capping and multichannel filling
- Individualized samples, eliminating multiple freeze/thaw cycles
Why do you recommend Nunc Cryobank vials for liquid nitrogen storage and the Matrix ScrewTop storage tubes for storage at higher temperatures?
We recommend using Nunc Cryobank vials for liquid nitrogen storage as these vials are designed for use at ultra-low temperatures. They come without a lid so that they can be easily picked from the rack at ultra-low temperatures using a tube selection or pen tool.
On the other hand, we recommend Matrix ScrewTop storage tubes for use at higher temperatures (-80 degrees C and above). They work well for both manual and automated picking.
