HID Global®, a worldwide leader in secure identity solutions, has announced industry leading biotechnology radio frequency identification (RFID) tags designed to meet a critical need in the cryopreservation industry. The company has developed a cutting-edge solution for use at subzero temperatures, setting it apart from other solutions that focus on harsh, high-heat conditions. The unique tag is already redefining cryogenic storage, enabling facilities to enhance and streamline logistics, thereby maximising their value to the medical and scientific communities.
Tags to be used at extremely low temperatures
Through extensive research, testing and deployment, HID Global and Cryogatt Systems Ltd. partnered to develop viable tags for use at extremely low temperatures in fertility clinics, research laboratories and other storage facilities. The ruggedness of HID Global RFID survives the harshness of storage at temperatures of -196° C, -321° F. Cryogatt and HID Global coordinated testing with the National Institute of Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC). The result was over two million hours ‘mean time between failures’ (MTBF), and not a single recorded failure in the past two years.
"In close cooperation with Cryogatt and their customers, Cryogatt and HID Global engineers successfully designed the unique tags and readers for this innovative application," said Richard Aufreiter, Director Product Management, Identification Technologies with HID Global. "It was an exciting challenge to work at the lower end of the temperature scale, where often materials and electronics behave differently than at room temperature."
Precise inventory tracking
Using a highly durable RFID tag designed for harsh environments, companies worked together to develop an RFID tagging system which entails embedding containers with HID Global’s tiny Glass and Piccolino tags using HID Vigo™ Direct Bonding technology. This patented technology allows for the creation of extremely compact and robust transponders with high memory and security features. Associated hardware includes patented Cryogatt readers that work at -196°C and Cryogatt software to accurately locate, record and audit samples throughout the storage lifecycle.
NIBSC implemented the new RFID solution and is now able to accurately track, inventory and simplify the management of long-term samples. The solution delivers accurate data down to the precise vessel, thus optimising storage space. Pick lists are now simple to create, enabling an accurate pull of samples when needed, and retrieval is now, on average, two to five times faster while maintaining sample safety. Additionally, access to detailed and accurate information has significantly enhanced quality system auditing.
"Traceability is accurate to satisfy regulatory standards and saves hours of searching," said Kirsty Stevenson, Manager Cold Storage in the Pathology Department of the Bristol Royal Infirmary, a teaching hospital. Other benefits of the HID Global and Cryogatt solution include improved accuracy, optimised storage space, a precise audit trail, enhanced sample safety, and saved time and costs.
"Deploying a solution capable of surviving a harsh and highly regulated cryogenic environment is critical to the success of laboratories, hospitals, fertility clinics and healthcare agencies worldwide", said Geoff Morris, Engineering Director, Cryogatt Systems LTD. "Our solution developed with HID Global also provides comfort that the data is accurate for that next compliance audit."