What can be stored in the Dri•Bank® container?
The Dri•Bank® container can store tissue sections on microscope slides unprotected (pre-stained) or protected (post-stained and cover slipped), biopsy samples (e.g., punch), aqueous aliquots to be dried
Is the Atacama® Cartridge replaceable?
Yes.
How long does the Atacama® or Atacama-C™ last?
Depending on use and volume of samples to be dried and stored, up to three months. If opened and closed more frequently in an above average humid environment (>60%RH), between two weeks to a month.
Can I use the Dri•Bank® container to ship samples?
Yes.
Can I clean the Dri•Bank® if it gets dirty or contaminated?
Yes. After removing the Atacama Cartridge and placing it into a sealed plastic bag, the Dri•Bank® can be washed with a mild detergent, rinsed with distilled water, and dried. If required, the interior can be sterilized with either a 10% bleach solution or 70% isopropyl alcohol solution. At this time, it is not advisable to sterilize using an autoclave. Once dried, the cartridge can be reinstalled.
Can the Dri•Bank® container be locked?
Yes, there is a locking port on the front left-hand side that permits securing with zip-ties or small key- or pad-based lock.
What kinds of samples have been tested using the Dri•Bank® container?
Both human and animal specimens have been tested using the Dri•Bank® container. This includes biopsy, unprotected fresh-frozen tissue sections on microscope slides and purified aliquots of RNA that were dried.
How long have samples lasted in the Dri•Bank® container?
Fresh-frozen brain tissue sections (rattus) on microscope slides were tested after six months with no observable difference
Liver biopsy specimens (gallus) were assayed after 3 months with no observable difference
Pancreas sample (human) were assayed after two weeks with no observable difference
Can the Dri•Bank® container be used with cold-chain storage/shipping methods?
Yes. In fact, the Dri•Bank® container in combination with the Atacama cartridge prevents frost build-up within the container and moisture condensation on samples that are either left out too long or in the event of a refrigeration system failure. Additionally, with the Atacama-C™ cartridge samples shipped with dry ice will have a reduced tendency for carbonic acid formation.
Are there peer-reviewed scientific publications in support of the use of the Dri•Bank® container?
Yes. A selection listed below:
-Sadler T and Khodavirdi A. “High-quality RNA extracted from biopsied samples dehydrated and stored dried at room temperature without chemical preservation for up to 3 months as evidenced by RT-PCR results.” Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol. 2014;22: Nakanishi H, Hara M, Takahashi S, et al. “Evaluation of forensic examination of extremely aged seminal stains.” Leg Med. 2014 May;pii: S1344 – 6223(14)00062-5. Garcia A. “Anhydrobiosis in bacteria: From physiology to applications.” 2011;36:1 – 12 Sadler T, Khodavirdi A, Hinton D, et al. “Snap-freezing brain tissue sections stored with desiccant at ambient laboratory conditions without chemical fixation are resistant to degradation for a minimum of 6 months” Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol. 2009;17:165 – 171 Micke P, Ohshima M, Tahmasebpoor S, et al. “Biobanking fresh frozen tissue: RNA is stable in nonfixed surgical specimens.” Lab Invest. 2006;86:202-211
On what scientific principle does the Dri•Bank® container work?
Anhydrobiosis. Specifically, both nucleases and proteases require water in order for chemical bonds, are therefore degradation to occur. Without access to water this process is eliminated or greatly attenuated.
How many samples can be stored in the Dri•Bank® container?
The current Dri•Bank® container design1 allows for the storage of 45 standard (75mmx25mmx1mm) microscope slides and depending on insert 12 – 24 microcentrifuge/PCR tubes (0.75mL)
Has the Dri•Bank® container been evaluated by independent third-party organizations?
Yes. The Dri•Bank® container has been evaluated by three other academic institutions and three different commercial organizations. Please see Testimonial Page for reviews of the Dri•Bank®
What kinds of assays have been performed on samples after being stored in the Dri•Bank® container?
Tissue stain (i.e., immunohistochemistry, immunoperoxidase, and H&E), Western blot, RT-PCR, RNA quantification, qRT-PCR
How do I know when I need to change the Atacama cartridge?
The Atacama® cartridge will change from a deep-blue color to a very light-blue/beige color. When this has occurred, the cartridge should be changed within a week.
Can I stack the Dri•Bank® containers?
Yes. In fact, they are designed to stack up to 6 units.
How long does it take to dry a sample?
Depending on samples size, volume and quantity between 15 minutes to 24 hours
Do I need to remove the cover from vials, microcentrifuge tubes, microtiter plates2, etc. in order to remove water from my sample?
Yes. In order to swiftly remove water, the samples need to be uncovered. As stated above, drying times vary according to volume.
When specimens are preserved and stored in the Dri•Bank® container, does the morphology of cells change?
According to the peer-review scientific publications3, cell morphology is unchanged.
Are specimens preserved and stored in the Dri•Bank® container compatible with newer technologies such as spectral cytopathology?
Yes. Because Dri•Bank® container does not chemically fix specimens, it does not introduce the complication of having to under heat-induced epitope retrieval or similar methods.
1 - Larger storage capacity version available in 2015
2 - Available 2015
3 - Mazur QI, Marcsisin EJ(S), Bird B, et al. Evaluating Different Fixation Protocols for Spectral Cytopathology, Part 1. Anal Chem. 2012. 84(3):1259 – 1266.