What is Ultra Low Temperature (ULT) Storage?

Ultra Low Temperature (ULT) Storage: The Backbone of Biomedical Preservation

Ultra Low Temperature (ULT) storage is a critical component of biomedical science, enabling the long-term preservation of sensitive biological materials such as DNA, RNA, proteins, cell cultures, and vaccines. Typically operating between -70°C and -86°C (and lower), ULT freezers are designed to halt biological activity and prevent sample degradation—making them essential for research, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical development.

As biomedical advancements accelerate, the importance of ULT storage has grown. Whether maintaining the viability of clinical trial samples or safeguarding rare genetic material, these extreme storage conditions ensure that data remains reliable and reproducible, even after years in stasis.

Modern ULT storage systems feature advanced temperature monitoring, digital logging, and alarm systems that notify staff of any deviation from safe ranges. Many facilities now integrate cloud-based monitoring platforms that provide real-time oversight and automated alerts. Redundant power supplies—such as battery backups and diesel generators—are also standard to prevent sample loss during outages.

Proper inventory management is another cornerstone of effective ULT storage. Barcoding, digital tracking systems, and access logs help maintain specimen integrity, enhance traceability, and support compliance with regulatory standards such as those from the FDA and CDC.

While the hardware has improved, so have the best practices surrounding it—regular maintenance, staff training, and quality control checks are all necessary to maintain performance and ensure data reliability.

At Steelgate, ULT storage isn't just about freezing specimens—it's about preserving evidence and facilitating medical research one specimen at a time.