RCSI supports researcher groups and departments in the RCSI and Beaumont Hospital in the provision of -80C freezer space. The freezer space is located in 121 SSG and is managed by Dr. Joanna Fay, Biobank Technician, Email: biobank@rcsi.ie.
The procedure for using the freezer space is as follows:
- The freezers are for long-term storage only and access to the freezer room must be limited.
- Once freezer space has been assigned by the Biobank samples may be placed into the allocated space only.
- All items must be clearly labelled with PI’s name and an inventory of the items in the freezer (including shelf number) must be placed on the outside of the freezer door.
- The research group will be contacted once a year to provide an up to date inventory of the contents of the freezer.
- Phone numbers and email addresses of at least two people to be contacted in an emergency must be provided to the Biobank and these details will be checked on annual basis by the Biobank.
- The Biobank must be notified immediately of any changes in these contact details by emailing biobank@rcsi.ie.
- At least one person from each research group must be contactable and available at all times (including weekends, Christmas holidays, Easter etc.) in case of a freezer failure.
- If a freezer fails, back-up freezer space will be made available for items stored but it is the responsibility of the research group to move their items after being contacted by the Biobank.
- The designated emergency contacts will be phoned and emailed with the details of the failure and the back-up freezer to be used by the group. Items must only be placed into the assigned back-up freezer.
- It will not be the responsibility of the Biobank to move items after a freezer failure if the designated people cannot be contacted and informed of the problem.