Storage Solutions

Biological Sample Storage & Biobanking Solutions

UK Biocentre provides secure, large-scale storage for clinical and research biospecimens. Our purpose-built facility supports pharmaceutical companies, CROs and research programmes with automated biobanking systems, cryogenic LN₂ storage and ultra-low temperature freezers.

With capacity for more than 35 million samples, we deliver trusted long-term storage infrastructure for clinical trials, population health studies and biomedical research.

Request a Storage Consultation

Protecting the Integrity of Your Samples

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

Flexible Biospecimen Storage Solutions

UK Biocentre provides a range of storage environments designed to support different sample types, study sizes and preservation requirements. Our infrastructure allows clients to scale from small research collections to large national biobanking programmes.

Automated Storage

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.

Book a call

Manual Storage

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
Contingency units
24/7 quick response team.

Request quote

Liquid Nitrogen Storage

Liquid nitrogen storage (LN2) is one of the most effective ways to preserve biological samples for the long term. By keeping samples at a cryogenic temperature of -196°C, liquid nitrogen tanks prevent all biological activity, thus preserving samples in a state of suspended animation.

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.

Sample Storage and Biobanking Services

Secure, large-scale storage for clinical and research biospecimens using automated biobanking systems, cryogenic LN₂ storage, and validated ultra-low temperature freezers.