Patent ID: 7870748

Claim:
A method for controlled rate freezing and subsequent cryogenic storage of thermosensitive products comprising the steps of: a) providing a multipurpose containment apparatus, comprising: a substantially square or rectangular floor wall having multiple apertures defined therein; four side walls extending substantially perpendicularly from said floor wall, wherein each of the respective side walls have multiple apertures defined therein, and wherein each of the respective side walls terminates at a top end; and means for positioning and separating said plurality of thermosensitive product vials within the containment apparatus; wherein the apparatus is capable of providing substantially free airflow throughout, resulting in a more uniform temperature reduction during the controlled rate freezing process; and b) placing said product vials within said positioning and separating means; c) placing said containment apparatus in a controlled rate freezer; d) freezing said thermosensitive products vials by bringing down the temperature gradually whereby reducing shock to the thermosensitive products contained within said product vials; e) removing said containment apparatus from said controlled rate freezer; and f) placing said containment apparatus directly into a cryogenic storage freezer whereby reducing the risk of vial misplacement and harm to specimens.