An 80% Increase in Freezer Storage Capacity

Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC)

The Central Biobank of Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) supports all departments within the medical center by managing the complete lifecycle of biological samples, from collection and processing to long-term storage and distribution. The biobank stores a broad range of biological materials, including blood products, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, nasal swabs, and tissue samples. These materials form the foundation for medical research aimed at improving diagnostics, treatments, and patient outcomes.

Operating under strict ethical and regulatory frameworks, the Central Biobank ensures full compliance with national and international guidelines. All researchers wishing to access biobank samples must obtain prior medical-ethical approval, guaranteeing responsible and transparent use of biological materials.

Supporting High-Quality Medical Research

LUMC’s Central Biobank plays a vital role in national and international research initiatives. In addition to providing access to well-preserved samples, the biobank supports researchers in establishing their own collections, ensuring that both biological materials and associated clinical data are stored in a standardized, high-quality manner.

Through collaborations with external institutions across Europe and beyond, LUMC contributes to advancing global medical research while maintaining the highest standards of sample integrity, traceability, and ethical handling.

The Challenge: Increasing Storage Efficiency and Reducing Errors

As sample volumes continued to grow, LUMC faced increasing pressure on freezer capacity and operational efficiency. The biobank required a solution that would significantly increase storage density, improve traceability, and support a fully digital, paperless workflow, without compromising sample quality or regulatory compliance.

Mobile, Paperless, and Error-Free Workflows

A key advantage of the DT510 tube reader is its ability to scan both the 2D barcode on the tube bottom and the 1D barcode on the tube side in a single step. This dual-scanning capability ensures precise sample verification and minimizes the risk of identification errors.

All scanning activities are performed using a mobile workstation equipped with a laptop and scanners, creating a fully paperless, flexible, and efficient workflow.

For studies requiring smaller sample volumes, LUMC also uses Micronic Hybrid tubes with eye-readable barcodes. This allows researchers to visually identify samples without the need for dedicated scanning equipment, simplifying daily handling.

Why LUMC Chose Micronic

LUMC’s decision to partner with Micronic was driven by two key factors:

Superior Price-to-Quality Ratio
Micronic offers high-quality consumables at a competitive price. The tubes provide excellent sealing and long-term sample protection, ensuring stability and reliability throughout extended storage periods.

Reliable Supply and Local Support
Supply chain reliability is a major challenge in modern biobanking. As a Dutch-based supplier, Micronic ensures consistent product availability and short delivery times, minimizing operational disruptions.
 
In addition, Micronic provided extensive support during the implementation and testing of the scanning solutions. The DT510 tube reader, currently the only scanner capable of simultaneously reading bottom and side barcodes, proved to be a perfect match for LUMC’s workflow.

The Result: A Scalable and Future-Proof Biobank

By integrating Micronic’s storage tubes and scanning technology, LUMC has significantly increased freezer capacity, streamlined sample retrieval, and improved overall operational efficiency. The combination of high-quality consumables, reliable supply, and advanced scanning solutions has made Micronic a trusted and essential partner in LUMC’s biobanking operations.