ABSTRACT
CHAPTER 10 CRYOBIOLOGICAL MATERIAL AND HANDLING PROCEDURES
F. Martínez-Pastor and S.L. Adams
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................. 295 2. FREEZING SYSTEMS AND STORAGE EQUIPMENT..................................... 296
2.1 Overview.................................................................................................... 296 2.2 Simple Freezing Methods......................................................................... 297 2.3 Controlled Rate Freezers.......................................................................... 300 2.4 Sample storage: LN2 tanks and related devices...................................... 303 2.5 Other equipment........................................................................................ 306
3. CRYOPRESERVATION SUPPLIES AND CONSUMABLES............................... 308 3.1 Overview.................................................................................................... 308 3.2 Straws and cryovials................................................................................. 308 3.3 Automatic fillers and printers................................................................... 309 3.4 Organization: canisters, racks, goblets and visotubes.......................... 310 3.5 Gloves, goggles, tweezers and other material......................................... 311
4. STORAGE MANAGEMENT AND RECORD KEEPING.................................... 312 4.1 Overview.................................................................................................... 312 4.2 Spreadsheets............................................................................................. 312 4.3 Specialized database systems.................................................................. 312
5. LIQUID NITROGEN HANDLING AND SAFETY PROCEDURES.................... 313 5.1 Overview.................................................................................................... 313 5.2 Physical properties................................................................................... 313 5.3 Associated hazards................................................................................... 313 5.4 Safety precautions.................................................................................... 314 5.5 Emergency procedures and first aid......................................................... 316 5.6 Additional information and references.................................................... 316
6. COMPANY DIRECTORY..................................................................................... 317 7. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS................................................................................... 317 8. REFERENCES...................................................................................................... 317
1. INTRODUCTION
Successful germplasm-banking depends not only on lab protocols, but also on the choice of equipment to put these protocols into practice and on the good use of this equipment. Besides, handling of low-temperature material implies many risks; therefore, the staff involved in these programs must receive adequate training.
