Refrigerated Sample Tube Storage and Retrieval System

What is the Refrigerated Sample Tube Storage and Retrieval System?

A refrigerated sample tube storage and retrieval system stores tested primary or secondary tubes at 2–8 °C in racks and retrieves them by barcode for add-on or repeat testing. It is used by laboratories that must retain samples for several days.

Overview

The unit combines a refrigerated chamber with a robotic or rack-based storage module. A tube is scanned, assigned a rack position in the database, and placed into the chamber at 2–8 °C, where an air circulation system keeps temperature uniform within ±1 °C. When a retest is requested, the LIS sends the tube barcode, and the system retrieves the tube or rack to an output port. Capacity runs from 3,000 to 20,000 tubes, and tubes are typically stored for 3 to 7 days before automatic disposal lists are generated. Tubes are held with caps on or sealed to limit evaporation. Temperature monitoring with alarm and data logging supports traceability, and inventory screens show storage locations and expiry dates. It saves staff from searching manual racks and reduces lost samples.

How does it work?

Pre-analytical automation combines barcode identification, robotic handling and liquid transfer. A tube enters on an input lane where a camera or laser scanner reads the barcode and a vision system identifies tube type, cap color and height. A gripper lifts the tube, and a decapper removes the stopper by torque-controlled rotation or pull, detecting cap type to avoid breakage. Sorting systems route tubes by test request through conveyors, diverters or robotic arms into racks for each analyzer. Aliquoters use disposable tips on a pipetting channel with capacitive liquid-level detection and clot detection to transfer serum or plasma to labeled secondary tubes. Recappers apply a new cap or pierceable seal to limit evaporation and aerosol. Everything is coordinated by middleware that exchanges orders and results with the laboratory information system.

What are the key features?

• Storage at 2–8 °C with uniformity within ±1 °C
• Barcode-based position assignment and automated retrieval
• Capacity of 3,000 to 20,000 tubes
• Automatic disposal lists after a set storage period
• Temperature alarm and continuous data logging
• Inventory screen showing tube location and storage date

What are the technical specifications?

A typical refrigerated sample tube storage and retrieval system configuration offers storage temperature of 2–8 °C, temperature uniformity of ±1 °C, capacity of 3,000–20,000 tubes, retrieval time of 30–120 s per tube, tube diameter of 12–16 mm and input/output of 1–2 ports, rack-based. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Refrigerated Sample Tube Storage and Retrieval System is used in retest and add-on testing storage, hospital central laboratories, reference laboratory sample retention and blood bank sample retention. Across the wider Sample Processing class, laboratories also deploy it for hospital central laboratory pre-analytics, reference laboratory high-volume receiving and blood bank sample preparation.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include ISO 15189, CLSI GP44, CLSI AUTO01, CLSI AUTO03, ISO 15190 and IEC 61010-2-101. Certification candidates for this model are CE and ISO 13485 quality system; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Sample handling must protect staff and sample integrity. Place equipment where racks and conveyors connect to analyzers, and supply stable power and network. Validate barcode quality against the label specifications and test each tube type from your collection supplier. Verify aliquot volume accuracy, carryover, and absence of cross-contamination with dye or analyte studies. Review centrifugation and pre-analytical stability limits for each analyte so automated waiting times do not compromise results. Decontaminate grippers and decks per the manual, and dispose of tips and caps as biohazardous waste. Keep spare grippers and sensors on site, and document validation under ISO 15189.

How do I select the right Refrigerated Sample Tube Storage and Retrieval System?

Select this variant when laboratories must retain samples for several days for add-on testing and currently use manual racks in refrigerators. In the RFQ specify tube capacity, retention days, retrieval speed, temperature range, alarm requirements and LIS interface. For long-term archives, consider freezer storage instead.

How does it compare with other Sample Processing variants?

Begin with daily tube volume and the tube types in use, because capacity and gripper compatibility differ. A laboratory processing under 300 tubes a day may only need a labeler or a standalone decapper, while over 1,000 tubes a day justifies a sorter with aliquoting. Check the range of tube diameters, 12 to 16 mm, and heights, 75 to 100 mm, that the system accepts, and whether it handles pediatric micro-tubes and gel tubes. Evaluate cap removal reliability, aerosol containment and whether it handles screw and push caps. Confirm middleware and LIS connectivity, footprint, consumable cost for tips and caps, and the service response commitment, since downtime stops the whole pre-analytical flow.