The Evolution of Biomedical Specimen Storage

Biomedical specimen storage has come a long way since the early days of refrigeration and paper records. Today, it is a highly specialized field requiring advanced technology, airtight compliance, and precision logistics.

In the mid-20th century, biomedical specimen storage was rudimentary at best. Tissue samples and blood were stored in basic refrigeration units with minimal temperature monitoring. Labeling was done by hand, and records were kept in logbooks. These early systems were prone to human error and offered limited scalability.

The 1980s and 1990s saw major leaps in biomedical storage. Freezers with more precise temperature controls, cryogenic storage systems, and automated inventory software began to take hold. As regulatory standards tightened, adopting Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and ISO certifications was mandatory.

Today, biomedical specimen storage is a high-tech ecosystem. Facilities must meet strict compliance standards set by the FDA, NIH, and international health organizations. Storage systems are equipped with redundant power supplies, cloud-connected temperature monitors, and secure access controls. Specifically at Steelgate, proprietary software platforms provide 24/7 access to data and status updates on stored materials. The warehouse is designed to withstand natural disasters, with hurricane-resistant architecture, multi-tiered backup power, and off-site data replication.

What sets Steelgate apart is that its infrastructure is based on Kate Grayson’s years of experience auditing vendors responsible for providing biomedical specimen storage, identifying service gaps and deficiencies and addressing and incorporating these findings into critical enhancements and implementing next-level refinements to the process of storing biomedical specimens.