Thermo
Fisher Scientific Inc. recently released its new Thermo Scientific
Universal Latch Rack for use with 2 mL and 5 mL Thermo Scientific Nunc
Cryobank tubes as well as most standard Thermo Scientific Nunc and
Nalgene cryogenic tubes. The new rack incorporates a highly flexible
lid, which can pivot or be lifted off, making it suitable for handheld
pipetting as well as automated dispensing via robotic picking and
placing. As a result, users have the ability to switch between manual
and automated formats while protecting samples from the surrounding
environment.
Unlike
other racks that lock tubes in place, making it difficult to
robotically pick and place them effectively, the non-locking design of
the new universal latch rack is automation friendly. Furthermore, a
latch locks the lid in place, providing safe, stackable and secure
storage to maximize freezer space with 48 tubes per rack for internally
threaded caps or 24 tubes per rack for externally threaded caps. This
novel format is also compatible with the complete portfolio of Thermo
Scientific sample-tracking and storage equipment, including handheld and
automated decappers as well as 2D barcode readers, allowing customers
to create a fully integrated and traceable cold storage workflow.
The
universal latch rack retains several of the proven features of the
original 2 mL and 5 mL Cryobank rack, including an ANSI standard
microplate footprint, open bottoms for 2D barcode readability and
strategically placed automation orientation detection features. As a
result, the universal latch rack is ideal for any laboratory storing
biological, genomic or diagnostic samples at low temperatures.
