Research Instruments Limited announces launch of a revolutionary new RFID developed for identification in liquid nitrogen

Research Instruments

23 November 2004

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Launched in the US at the recent ASRM meeting in Philadelphia, Research Instruments Limited (Cornwall, UK), have developed a revolutionary new product using RFID microchip technology for specimen identification within liquid nitrogen.

Operating at -196oC (-321oF) temperatures, ?Cryoscan? utilises Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips to locate individual frozen samples immersed in liquid nitrogen. The chip also has an anticollision function that enables the simultaneous reading of several tags, making it the first RFID device of its kind to function effectively at a temperature of -196 oC.

Bill Brown, Managing Director of Research Instruments said, ?Cryoscan prevents samples thawing out while inventory checks are in progress. Recent independent studies have shown that it can take just 2-3 seconds out of the liquid nitrogen for samples to warm to ? 80 oC where the recrystallization of water can disrupt cells even in the frozen state (Mortimer, D Feb 04). By auditing within the liquid nitrogen this problem is eradicated?

The Cryoscan system works by utilising a PC database and a lightweight handheld PDA RFID reader. The system can both perform inventory audits of cryobanks as well as locate individual samples without removal from the liquid nitrogen. It is compatible with most commercially available IVF database systems.

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Contact:

J Retallack, Sales Director
Research Instruments Ltd
Bickland Industrial Park
Falmouth
Cornwall TR11 4TA
UK

+44 1326 327 753

http://www.research-instruments.com