Abstract: A biological specimen of a subject is handled and tracked for a procedure involving that specimen. Prior to initiation of the procedure, a first procedure data structure (PDS) is generated. The first PDS binds an identifier corresponding to the subject with an indicator of a procedure to be performed on the specimen and identifiers of a specimen container and a specimen holder that physically contacts the biological specimen, as well as a scheduled time for the procedure. A schedule of a plurality of PDSs including the first PDS, is displayed on a display device of a graphical user interface. Following initiation of the procedure, the first PDS is updated based on user input, and after the procedure, at least a portion of the first PDS, as updated, is stored in a database in conjunction with other PDSs respectively associated with other completed procedures.

Abstract: A system to store specimen containers in a temperature controlled environment includes at least a first temperature sensor positioned to sense a temperature in a first region of the temperature controlled environment in an interior of the cryogenic storage tank and at least a first level sensor positioned to sense a level of a cryogenic medium within the temperature controlled environment in the interior of the cryogenic storage tank. A method of storing specimen containers in a temperature controlled environment includes monitoring one or more parameters within the temperature controlled environment to prevent exposure of biological samples within the specimen containers to parameters that put the viability of the biological samples at risk.

Abstract: A system and method facilitates transfers of specimen containers (e.g., vials with caps) between storage cassettes and carrier cassettes. The storage cassettes are designed to be stored in cryogenic refrigerators while the carrier cassettes are designed to be temporarily stored in a portable carrier. Identification information is read from wireless transponders carried by the specimen containers. Visual mappings of the positions of the specimen container in the cassettes is provided. Presence and position of the specimen containers in the cassettes is verified, and alerts of inconsistencies provided along with corrective commands. Inventories of specimen container and even specific specimen holders are provided.

Abstract: A container includes a vial, cap, and one or more wireless transponders secured to the cap, the vial or a jacket to store and identify samples of biological material at cryogenic temperatures (e.g., vitrified biological samples), for instance held by cryopreservation storage devices. A specimen holder may be extend from the cap. The vial and/or cap includes ports or vents. A carrier includes a box, thermal shunt, thermal insulation to store and identify arrays of containers that hold cryopreservation storage devices with samples of biological material at cryogenic temperatures. Various apparatus include wireless transponders positioned and oriented to enhance range, and allow interrogation while retained in a carrier. Various apparatus can maintain the biological material at or close to cryogenic temperatures for prolonged period of times after being removed from a cryogenic cooler, and can allow wireless inventorying while maintaining the biological samples at suitably cold temperatures.

Abstract: A biological specimen of a subject is handled and tracked for a procedure involving that specimen. Prior to initiation of the procedure, a first procedure data structure (PDS) is generated. The first PDS binds an identifier corresponding to the subject with an indicator of a procedure to be performed on the specimen and identifiers of a specimen container and a specimen holder that physically contacts the biological specimen, as well as a scheduled time for the procedure. A schedule of a plurality of PDSs including the first PDS, is displayed on a display device of a graphical user interface. Following initiation of the procedure, the first PDS is updated based on user input, and after the procedure, at least a portion of the first PDS, as updated, is stored in a database in conjunction with other PDSs respectively associated with other completed procedures.

Abstract: A container includes a vial, cap, and one or more wireless transponders secured to the cap, the vial or a jacket to store and identify samples of biological material at cryogenic temperatures (e.g., vitrified biological samples), for instance held by cryopreservation storage devices. A specimen holder may be extend from the cap. The vial and/or cap includes ports or vents. A carrier includes a box, thermal shunt, thermal insulation to store and identify arrays of containers that hold cryopreservation storage devices with samples of biological material at cryogenic temperatures. Various apparatus include wireless transponders positioned and oriented to enhance range, and allow interrogation while retained in a carrier. Various apparatus can maintain the biological material at or close to cryogenic temperatures for prolonged period of times after being removed from a cryogenic cooler, and can allow wireless inventorying while maintaining the biological samples at suitably cold temperatures.