Virtual nitrogen tank to monitor frozen cell stocks

We developed a program to facilitate the monitoring of biological samples ( cell lines, sera, etc.) that are stored in liquid nitrogen containers. The program consists of a "virtual" container in which scientists can store the ir samples and a program that records the location of each sample, cell cha racteristics, storage dates, names of the manipulators and much more. Addit ional comments and a photograph can be associated with each vial, allowing for reliable tracking of samples. Vials can then be identified according to any parameter of interest to the scientist, including associated comments. Once identified the program visually presents the location of these vials, which simplifies retrieving them from the real container The program recor ds the thawing of vials, along with the date and the name of the operator A ny academic laboratory requesting this standalone program will be granted a free license for its use.