Store and Retrieve

Introduction

• When a specimen is retrieved from a container representing an automated freezer, it is not immediately removed. Instead, a pick request is sent to the freezer. Upon receiving a retrieved/picked notification, OpenSpecimen removes the specimen from the container and logs a transfer event for the specimen.

• The handling process varies based on the freezer when a specimen is stored in a container representing an automated freezer:

  • Hamilton: OpenSpecimen sends a pre-register specimen barcode request to the freezer.

  • Strata: No action is performed.

  Once OpenSpecimen receives a stored notification from the freezer, it logs a Stored Event for the specimen.

• Specimens stored in automated freezers cannot be

  • Distributed

  • Shipped

  • Transferred to another container

  • Closed or Disposed

  • Deleted

  • Checked out

  The specimen should first be retrieved from the automated freezer to perform the above operations on it.

FAQ

Q1. Why is the specimen's position and rack type information not displayed in OpenSpecimen?

Ans: Unlike manual freezers, automated freezers do not require users to worry about the position of the specimens. Once the automated freezer accepts the specimen, it will decide where to store it and might move it around based on its defragmentation algorithms.

Therefore, OpenSpecimen does not display the position/rack information of specimens stored in automated freezers because it does not add any value from the user's perspective.

The primary function of the automated freezer is to internally track and manage specimen positions so that the user doesn't have to worry about them. When storing or retrieving samples, users only need to provide a list of specimen barcodes; the freezer handles the rest.

Additionally, the specimen positions are dynamically rearranged nightly, weekly, or monthly to optimize space by filling gaps left by removed specimens.