Cancer-treatment JV relies on Labcold freezers

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust and private stem cell extraction and cryogenic storage company BioVault are partners in a pioneering joint venture for the treatment of patients with cancer

Treatment involves the extraction, processing and storage of human stem cells harvested from peripheral blood.

BioVault, which is very experienced in both processing and cryogenic freezing at the cellular level, has created a purpose-built facility to meet both the exacting MHRA accreditation standards as well as those for licensing by the UK Human Tissue Authority.

The facility resides within the Derriford campus area.

As a critical supplier, Labcold has worked closely with BioVault in the development of these facilities, providing a wide range of equipment including refrigerators, freezers, incubators, liquid nitrogen containers together with specially designed aluminium racking and storage devices.

Mike Smith, managing director of BioVault said, "We first contacted Labcold because of their strong reputation and understanding of accreditation needs within the medical refrigeration sector.

"We needed a supplier with OGC approval and a good track record in supplying PFI hospitals.

"Equally, we needed to work with a UK manufacturer who could provide flexible and bespoke solutions to our storage needs.

"Now that we have been working with them for some time I can confirm that their products are extremely reliable, providing very stable temperatures.

"Labcold will continue to play a key role in our ongoing development".

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