The decision to set up a cryobank within a hospital is much more than just purchasing a few nitrogen tanks. It is a strategic infrastructure project that involves doctors, laboratory managers, architects, in-house technicians, quality managers and procurement departments in equal measure. Each of these parties contributes their own requirements and perspectives, which must be integrated into a coherent overall concept.
Consarctic® has been supporting clinics on this journey for decades - from the initial conceptual idea through detailed planning to operational handover with complete IQ/OQ documentation. Reference customers such as Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the University Hospital of Cologne and the University Hospital of Erlangen rely on our expertise.
In this article, we outline the typical planning process and show which details are important to ensure that your turnkey cryobank works smoothly right from the start.
The answer to this question determines all subsequent decisions. Stem cells, tissue, blood products, gametes or pharmaceutical intermediates each have different requirements in terms of temperature, storage volume and regulatory compliance. Consarctic® carries out a detailed needs analysis at the start of each project.
How many samples should be stored initially? How will demand develop over the next 10 to 20 years? Forward-looking planning avoids costly expansions at a later date. Our engineers dimension the system in such a way that growth buffers are planned without installing oversized - and therefore more expensive - systems from the outset.
Ideally, the cryobank should be positioned close to the laboratories and sampling facilities in order to minimize transport routes. At the same time, the room must be sufficiently ventilated - a crucial safety aspect in view of the displacement of oxygen by evaporating nitrogen.
Based on the determined capacity requirements, our engineers select the optimum combination of tank sizes and types: BSD+ or BSF+ stainless steel tanks for stationary long-term storage, ABV+ aluminum tanks for mobile applications.
For clinics that freeze samples on site, we recommend the BIOFREEZE® BV45 or the SMARTLINE as a controlled rate freezer - depending on throughput and GMP requirements.
The Biosafe monitoring system is integrated into the planning right from the start: Temperature and level sensors, central data acquisition, SMS alerting and connection to the building management system.
The Consarctic® service technicians install all components on site. This includes setting up the tanks, installing the vacuum lines, cabling the sensors and configuring the software.
For regulated applications, we carry out full installation qualification (IQ) and operational qualification (OQ). The documentation is prepared in accordance with GMP requirements and becomes part of the clinic's quality management system.
Before the start of operations, we train your staff in the operation of all equipment, safety protocols and emergency procedures. Our training courses can be customized for both laboratory technicians and quality officers.
Our responsibility does not end with the handover. Consarctic® offers comprehensive maintenance contracts, regular inspections and a 24/7 emergency service 365 days a year. Our technicians are usually on site within a few hours.
Setting up a cryobank in a clinic is a complex but rewarding undertaking. With the right partner at your side, the vision becomes a facility that works reliably for decades and stores the most valuable medical resources securely.
Are you planning to set up a cryobank in your clinic? Contact our project team for an initial consultation. We will show you the way from the idea to an operational system.