Frequently asked questions about GenVault

Genvault offers both fully integrated or stand-alone biosample management solutions based on best practices in order to provide a more reliable, scalable, and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods of storing, archiving, and distributing biosamples. By employing advanced technology to deliver a streamlined and integrated approach, GenVault enhances your laboratory's ability to fully utilize biosamples and move its research forward.

Current methods of storing biosamples are generally limited to depositing a labeled test tube or Guthrie card containing blood or extracted DNA into a freezer, nitrogen tank, or other storage unit that is part of a larger group of independent units. As additional storage space is needed, units are added where space permits. Retrieval and preparation of biosamples for any distribution to remote laboratories is typically performed manually by hand.

While biosamples can be managed in this manner, it is not operationally efficient, reliable, or easily scalable. As biosample libraries grow, these systems create a logistical challenge and limit an organization's ability to access and share critical data. The costs of supporting and maintaining these systems can be significant and they are manually intensive, allowing the potential for human error at several steps. In addition labeling methods are unreliable, as labels deteriorate or fall off over time and are useless once a sample is removed from it's container.Shipping also requires costly special handling as biosamples are considered biohazardous material, and samples are compromised if delayed en route.

The future of genetic-based medicine and genomic science depends upon the reliable storage and access to biosamples and their related clinical data. In compromising the quality and identity of biosamples, the problems with conventional methods can be quite serious. Medical centers, academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and law enforcement agencies are rapidly collecting tissue libraries containing large volumes of biosamples for use in research. As these libraries grow, the problems with conventional methods will only compound and continue to worsen.

GenVault's solutions have been specifically designed to eliminate many of the problems associated with current biosample management systems. The company's revolutionary dry-state storage system removes the need for freezers or tanks while GenPlates allow for far more efficient storage of biosamples, allowing entire networks to be consolidated into a single GenVault archive. GenCode, a permanent biological tag unique to each plate, permits the identification of a sample throughout all processing steps. During the dry-state storage process, all bacterial and viral pathogens are inactivated, making plates safe for routine shipping. In addition, GenVault archives are fully automated and controlled through software that enables researchers to easily access or share not only individual biosamples, but also their clinical data.

GenVault combines Whatman FTA® paper, a proven isolation and preservation medium, with proprietary elution and identification technology that allow users to store experiment-sized aliquots of DNA in a dry, ambient temperature format. Upon contact with the Whatman FTA paper, cells are automatically lysed, the genetic material is extracted and captured, and the plates are allowed to dry and are sealed. All bacterial and viral pathogens are also inactivated upon contact with the element, making the plates safe for routine shipping without biohazard treatment. Stored biosamples can be washed with simple buffer solutions to remove cellular debris and to elute the DNA. After washing, the DNA sample is ready for further analysis or processing. Experimental data demonstrates successful recovery of high quality single or double stranded DNA from media archived 14 years without degradation.

Each biosample is automatically labeled in two forms when stored in a GenPlate, via a physical barcode on the GenPlate as well as via a biological tag, called GenCode, that coexists on the media with the DNA sample itself. This biological tag matches the plate barcode and remains with the genomic DNA eluted from the element throughout each processing step, even in solution. Each biosample's GenCode allows it to be linked with its de-identified clinical data and requested via a Web-based interface.

In delivering integrated solutions, GenVault provides the ability for comprehensive, organized biosample management during every important processing step. In addition to a secure, efficient method of physical storage, GenVault also offers reagent kits for subsequent recovery of high quality DNA, a permanent labeling system that can be utilized throughout processing, and software utilizing the labeling system that allows fully automated access, tracking, and sharing of both individual biosamples and their clinical data from remote locations. All in all, GenVault solutions provide efficient and reliable sample handling throughout the research process.

Any laboratory, large to small, can benefit from GenVault's solutions. Utilizing the breadth and scalability of its products, GenVault develops a solution based on each customer's workflow and the anticipated growth of their biosample archive. The Desktop Archive is designed to store tens to hundreds of samples directly on a benchtop.  The GenVault Personal Archive is designed for researchers who wish to store hundreds to thousands of biosamples on-site.  The Dynamic Archive is available in multiple heights and sizes and can store anywhere from tens of thousands to millions of biosamples, depending upon your laboratory's needs. These archives can be networked inside or outside institutions and are fully automated with robotics and software employing the latest Web-based technologies.

GenVault is continuously developing and refining best practices for integrated biosample management through ongoing feedback from its customers, such as the CDC and NIH, and input from industry leaders. The company is committed to maintaining ongoing, open dialogue with the research community in order to continue identifying best practices and providing solutions that incorporate them. Company executives frequently speak at industry events about its best practices in integrated biosample management.

No, the company has plans to expand their offering into the areas of protein and RNA.