Preventing sample degradation from transient temperature fluctuations

Abstract

Methods and devices can protect samples maintained at controlled temperatures from degradation due to transient temperature fluctuations.

1 . A method for preventing or reducing sample degradation of a sample in a sample container in a controlled temperature device subject to transient temperature fluctuations over a period of at least one month, which method comprises placing the sample container into a thermoconductive container holder having a thermal conductivity of at least about 150 watts per meter.degree Kelvin and a density of at least about 2.5 grams per cubic centimeter in such device. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein such device is a refrigerator or freezer. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sample is a biological sample. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the device is a freezer, and the controlled temperature is below freezing. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the sample is a living cell. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the sample is a protein or protein extract. 
     
     
         7 . The method  claim 1 , wherein the container holder is composed of a material with a thermal conductivity greater than 10 Watts per meter.degree Kelvin. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the material is an aluminum alloy. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the material has a density of greater than 1 gram per cubic centimeter. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the container holder will fit into a space having a width and length of at least 5 ×5 inches and a height of at least 1.5 inches.