Sample Storage Service
Biobank
The Biobank offers 4 types of standard storage rental according to different user’s needs.
| Rental Type | Rack (-80°C) | Deep Freezer1 | Liquid Nitrogen Tank | Floor Space |
| Unit of Rental | One freezer rack | One freezer (28 racks) | One 2-inch cryobox | Floor space for one freezer |
| Number of 2-inches cyrobox | 25 | 700 | Not applicable | Varies |
| Box type | Standard2 | Standard2 | Standard2 | No restriction |
| Database for box tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes / No | No |
| Cryobox deposit and retrieval | By Biobank staff(pay per use) | By Biobank staff / user(charge depends on service type) | By Biobank staff(pay per use) | By user(no charge) |
| Storage location | HKJCBIR | HKJCBIR / HIng Wai | HKJCBIR / Hing Wai | HKJCBIR / Hing Wai |
| Temperature monitoring and alert | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Backup freezer usage | Yes | Yes | Not applicable | Yes |
| Freezer maintenance3,4 | Yes3 | Yes3 | Not applicable | No4 |
| Emergency attendance5 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Monthly service charge6,7 | HK$200 | HK$2,000 | HK$80 | HK$660 |
Remarks
- Deep freezer storage at HKJCBIR is meant primarily to be temporary for accommodating samples collections and ongoing project needs. It is subjected to space availability with approval granted on a monthly basis. Users must agree to relocate freezers at their own expenses to Hing Wai Centre with one month’s notice.
- Plastic cryobox with 2D barcode label must be used for Rack and Freezer rental. Special labels for ultra low temperature use are prepared by the Biobank. User is recommended to put the label on the box at room temperature, preferably when the box is new. If you need to use other box type, please contact us for further discussions. Users can purchase standard cryoboxes with 2D barcode labels from Biobank. Please refer to the charges page for prices.
- Freezer maintenance includes filter cleaning (monthly) and coordination with backup freezer for defrosting (yearly or as requested).
- Users who rent floor spaces should be responsible for the logistics of their own freezer movement and maintenance, and any related-cost incurred.
- Emergency attendance service ensures a Biobank staff will be onsite to assist user during an emergency.
- Rack rental and liquid nitrogen tank storage rental for part of a month will be charged as a full month.
- Deep rental (transient/long-term) and floor space rental for less than 2 weeks will be charged as 2 weeks.
