Ikea Samla Box Sample Archive / Biobank

thingiverse

Recently a cost-effective sample archive in -80°C freezers became necessary. To meet this need, we already have custom tubes, but required a stackable storage solution for chest freezers. Since no good commercial solutions existed, I designed some inserts for Ikea Samla boxes (39x28x14 cm / 11L) to be milled or laser cut (from 40mm XPS foam from the hardware store). DIN A3 Mylar stencil material was then labeled and cut on a Silhouette Cameo 3. The penholder had a mounted STABILO permanent marker, and the autoblade was set to setting 3. The mylar label allows for easy entry of the archive position in the laboratory information system (LIS). Our technicians note the last free box number and position. Samples for the archive are first placed on a separate foam rack near the computer, starting with the last available position. The sample archive positions are then quickly entered into the LIS. Next, the tubes are transferred to the corresponding box/position near the freezer, minimizing unnecessary freeze/thaw cycles. The last free box/position is noted again when finished.