Off-site storage
The Culture Collections offers secure, confidential, second site storage facilities for your valuable microbial and viral seed stocks or cell banks.
Cell lines
ECACC cryogenically stores cell line deposits for the scientific community. Our purpose built cryostore at UKHSA Porton Down is one of the largest secure liquid nitrogen repositories in Europe. We offer a service for the storage of research grade material which provides the following benefits:
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A secure facility with restricted access control systems.
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Cryostorage vessel resilience is assured by two independent 18,000L reservoir supply tanks.
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Storage vessel are constantly monitored by telemetry alarm systems for nitrogen levels and temperature.
Viruses
We offer a standard safe deposit service for the storage of viruses. The service is aimed at providing a secure second site storage facility for viruses up to ACDP category 3.
Bacteria
We offer a standard safe deposit service for bacterial deposits as frozen ampoules (ACDP 2) or freeze-dried stabilate in fused glass ampoules (ACDP 3).
DNA
We also store DNA as part of our safe deposit service (at -80°C or -20°C).
How to submit samples
1. Submit these forms:
a. Safe Deposit Sample Submission Form (below)
b. Complete and submit the relevant Biohazard Risk Assessment Form
i) Biohazard Risk Assessment Form - Cell Lines
ii) Biohazard Risk Assessment Form - Viruses
iii) Biohazard Risk Assessment Form - Bacteria
A Biohazard Risk Assessment Form is a legal requirement in accordance with the UK Health and Safety Laws. Ensure the possible pathogenicity of the microorganism to humans is stated as well as the including the Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) status. When completing the risk assessment ensure that the possible pathogenicity of the material is assessed. The UK Health Security Agency Genetic Modification Safety Committee (GMSC) will consider the Biohazard Risk Assessment. Any deposit classified as GMO category 2 or higher cannot be accepted unless approved by both the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the GMSC.
A consignment may be rejected if:
(i) The package is damaged in any way that could compromise containment
(ii) Appropriate shipping temperatures have not been maintained
(iii) Samples are not completely sealed
(iv) Samples are not clearly labelled
The depositor is entirely responsible for the costs of transportation of deposits to us. We strongly recommend that an additional ampoule/cryovial is sent with the samples for safe deposit. This can be viability tested upon receipt as a means of identifying any risk of damage during shipment. An additional charge will be made for this.
2. Await notification
We will contact you to confirm it is okay to send us your deposit.
3. Package correctly and send
Packages should be clearly labelled with the storage temperature, sender’s contact information, and the reference number. Packaging and transportation must be used in accordance with PI 620 regulations. Approved PI 620 packaging may be obtained from several suppliers, the details of which are available from any Royal Mail Sales Centre. If you use a courier service to deliver your samples, please contact the company involved for advice on their own approved packaging.
Return of safe deposits
Safe deposits can only be released to the owner following a written request. This request must be signed by the original depositor and accompanied by a purchase order number. The Culture Collections cannot accept any instruction to destroy or dispose of any deposited material. In the event that a customer wishes to terminate a safe deposit, they should request the return of the deposited material from the Culture Collections for disposal on their premises.
Change of Ownership
The original depositor can authorize changes to the assignation of the safe deposit in writing. The Culture Collections can only file a change of ownership following a written request from the original depositing organization.
Safe deposit quote
To receive a quote, please complete and submit safe deposit quote request
Safe deposit fees
|
Standard service (all collections) |
Price |
|---|---|
|
New customer set up fee |
£300 |
|
Additional transaction fee |
£80 per subsequent transaction after set up |
|
Annual rental - up to 100 samples |
£15.00 per sample per year |
|
Annual rental - up to 500 samples |
£12.50 per sample per year |
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Annual rental - above 500 samples |
£10.00 per sample per year |
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Transaction fee – returns |
£5 per sample. Minimum charge: £150 |
Sample submission
To submit a sample, please complete sample submission form
Terms and conditions for safe deposits
Ensure to read the terms and conditions for safe deposit.