Storing and Handling Lyophilised Research Materials: A Lab Guide

For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption.

Lyophilised (freeze-dried) materials are stable in many ways and fragile in others. Good storage and handling protect the integrity of your research. This guide from OWSA Labs covers the basics.

1. Temperature

• Fridge (2–8 °C): refrigerate on arrival. The fridge suits short-term storage.
• Freezer (around −20 °C): for longer-term storage before reconstitution. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles, and don’t use frost-free freezers that cycle their temperature.
• Room temperature: lyophilised material is shipped at ambient temperature for transit, but room temperature isn’t a storage plan.

2. Light and moisture

• Store vials in their outer packaging or in amber or opaque containers, away from direct light.
• Moisture is the main enemy of freeze-dried material. Keep vials sealed, and let a cold vial reach room temperature before opening so condensation doesn’t form inside it.
• A desiccant in the storage box adds protection.

3. Lyophilised vs in solution

In the dry state, material is far more stable. Once reconstituted, it degrades faster: keep it refrigerated, protect it from light and use it within the window your protocol specifies. Do not freeze it.

4. Handling opened vials and solutions

• Use clean lab technique: clean work surfaces and wear gloves.
• Never return unused liquid to a stock vial.
• Label every vial when it’s opened or reconstituted, with the contents, the date and your initials.
• Store it as directed on its label, and discard it after the period your lab procedures set.

5. Record-keeping by batch

Keep a simple log for each batch: batch or lot number, date received, storage location, date opened or reconstituted, and who handled it. Good records make results traceable and help you spot storage problems early.

Quick checklist

Cold and stable ✔ Dark ✔ Dry and sealed ✔ Warm before opening ✔ Clean technique ✔ Labelled and dated ✔ Logged by batch ✔

For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption.