BRIDGE: Processing and Storage

The BRIDGE facility is being built on campus in the Allan Rosefield Building (722 W. 168 St.), and will contain infrastructure to support automated liquid sample processing (using Hamilton robotic instruments) and sample storage at -80°C.

BRIDGE's dedicated freezer storage provides several advantages to ensure long-term sample integrity:

  • Storage space for over 6 million 0.5 mL vials in the automated -80°C freezer
  • Triple redundant refrigeration, with emergency power and LN2 backup refrigeration systems
  • 24/7 monitoring of freezer and environmental conditions
  • High throughput robotic systems for sample storage and random-access retrieval

All samples stored in BRIDGE are linked to the OpenSpecimen sample tracking system to ensure integrity of identity, governance, and distribution data.

More Information

Interim processing and storage facilities are available, and BRIDGE staff are ready to help interested biobanking partners prepare for a transition to utilize the new facility when it becomes operational. To meet with BRIDGE staff to discuss options, please contact the VP&S Office for Research.

Set up a meeting with BRIDGE

Frequently Asked Questions

Is interim storage available?

Interim -80°C and LN2 storage may be available to biobanking partners on a case-by-case basis. Please contact BRIDGE for more information.

Will LN2 storage be available?

The main automated storage system used by BRIDGE maintains -80°C. However, additional LN2-based storage (-150°C) is being planned for users who wish to store cell lines and other materials that require cryogenic storage. Please contact BRIDGE staff for more information.

Do I need to use OpenSpecimen for my samples?

OpenSpecimen is used to track all samples stored in the BRIDGE facility. However, "off-the-shelf" implementations of OpenSpecimen, which contain a minimal dataset for stored samples (Identifier, Contact PI, Governance Information, etc.), can be created in some cases for users who have established their own sample tracking systems. Please contact BRIDGE staff for more information.

What types of samples can the automated freezer accommodate?

For new collections, specific consumables are required to maximize throughput and storage space in the automated system.  A range of tube volumes are available and these consumables are in stock and ready for purchase directly through BRIDGE.  For existing collections, the automated freezer can accommodate samples with barcodes in a number of formats, but each collection must first be evaluated for compatability and efficiency. Please contact BRIDGE staff for more information.

Who controls distribution of samples deposited into BRIDGE?

BRIDGE provides physical and data infrastructure for sample storage, but follows the distribution protocols that are established for each individual sample collection. Therefore, the PI, sample access committee, or other authority which was created to govern a given sample collection will have ultimate authority to authorize distribution from that collection.