Security is a primary focus when storing valuable patient samples for an extended period of time. Our monitoring, security, and documentation is compliant with regulatory requirements (eg. FDA 21 CFR part 11).

To ensure security of your samples we  have implemented a number of measures:

• The facility is secured with strictly controlled smart-code access entry. A daily audit trail tracks access to the facility and freezer rooms.
• The facility is monitored 24/7 with security cameras.
• Freezers are monitored 24hrs a day through the University of Alberta Central Alarm System, which is monitored 24 x 7 and CBSR staff will respond around the clock.
• CBSR has installed a building automation system from Siemens Building Technologies.  This system securely archives monitoring data in INFOCENTER SUITE and allow regulatory grade autiting to be done on storage conditions.
• Each freezer has an automatic CO₂ backup system, and liquid nitrogen storage units are automatically refilled using a level monitoring system.  The system uses CO2 canisters and  will provide approximately 10 hours of continuous -65C low temperature supply in the event of a loss of cooling capability. This system ensures that samples will be maintained at low temperatures in the event of a power failure or freezer malfunction and provide another layer of sample security.
• Internet access to Biobank2 utilises 128-bit encryption.