Secure, scalable storage for research and regulated clinical samples, from GxP-aligned storage and validated ultra-low temperature freezers to automated biobanking and cryogenic LN2 storage.
Flexible Sample Storage & Biobanking Solutions
UK Biocentre provides secure, scalable storage solutions for research and regulated clinical samples. Our purpose-built UK facilities support pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, CROs, academic institutions and public health programmes with GxP-aligned storage, automated biobanking, manual ultra-low temperature storage and cryogenic LN2 storage.
With a range of storage environments available, we can support different sample types, regulatory requirements and study sizes – from early-stage research and clinical development to large national biobanking programmes.
With capacity for more than 35 million samples, our infrastructure provides the secure, long-term sample management needed to support clinical trials, drug development, population health studies and biomedical research.
At UK Biocentre, safeguarding the integrity of your biological samples is our highest priority. We understand that the long-term quality, traceability and security of biospecimens are critical to the success of clinical studies and scientific research.
Our 70,000 sq ft facility in Milton Keynes specialises in the secure management, processing and storage of biological samples at scale. This capability is complemented by our Oxford site, dedicated to long-term archival storage and additional resilience.
While you focus on delivering your research or clinical programme, our expert team ensures your samples are stored, managed and protected to the highest standards.
Our storage solutions
GxP-aligned storage
Dedicated UK-based storage for regulated samples and investigational products.
Our GxP-aligned storage service at UK Biocentre's Milton Keynes facility provides a designated, separate environment for regulated samples and investigational products.
A designated team manages validated freezers, with continuous temperature monitoring, manual sample retrieval with documented checks, and defined procedures for receiving, registering, retrieving and dispatching samples.
Key features:
Validated storage
Continuous temperature monitoring
Dedicated, physically separate storage area
Manual retrieval with documented checks
Defined receiving, registration, retrieval and dispatch processes
Dedicated trained team
Operated within the Azenta quality management framework
Our automated storage combines high efficiency with a trusted and reliable way of storing samples. Samples are stored securely, with the quality and integrity of each and every sample maintained through temperature homogeneity and minimised thermal disruption. High-speed robotic sample picking ensures targeted and flexible sample availability.
This type of storage is more reliable, more energy efficient and manages emissions far more effectively compared to standard manual freezers making it the most environmentally friendly option.
Benefits of automated storage:
High-speed robotic sample picking + cherry picking with reduced risk of freeze/thaw cycle damage.
Integrated sample lineage via our Laboratory Management System (LIMS).
Assured cost-effectiveness.
Best in class quality management.
Assured sample integrity.
Reduced carbon footprint due to energy efficiency and lower emissions.
Book a call with a biosample strategy expert. We’ll listen, ask the right questions, and help you build a plan that protects your research, now and long-term.
We provide comprehensive manual storage solutions designed to meet the diverse sample management needs of our partners. Our leading-edge facility is equipped with over 200 ultra-low temperature freezers (-80°C), 120+ liquid nitrogen tanks (-196°C), and a range of ambient storage options, offering secure and reliable storage for a wide variety of biological materials.
Our infrastructure is supported by an uninterrupted power supply, ensuring the continuous preservation and safety of stored samples, even in the event of power outages.
Benefits of manual storage:
Ambient storage
‐80°C freezers
System redundancy with uninterrupted power supply units and fail over generators
For samples requiring cryogenic preservation, UK Biocentre provides LN2 storage at -196°C, supporting the long-term preservation of temperature-sensitive biological materials.
Our cryogenic storage infrastructure provides a secure environment for a wide range of sample types, supported by continuous monitoring and established sample management processes.
Benefits of cryo storage:
Exceptional preservation: Biological activity is entirely halted, ensuring samples like stem cells, tissues, and embryos can remain viable for decades.
Versatile applications: Suitable for diverse biological materials, from reproductive cells to complex tissues.
Reliable long-term stability: Decades of storage with nolimited degradation, as long as nitrogen levels are maintained.
Your sample’s safety is our 24/7 commitment
UK Biocentre is ISO 9001 certified by BSI under certificate number FS688021, ISO 27001 certified by Alcumus ISOQAR under certificate number 21563, and is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 20056.
Regulated and licensed by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) at both our sites under Licence No. 12624.
Bespoke Quality Management System.
Internal auditing.
Multi-level disaster prevention and recovery plan.
