Thermo Scientific CryoMed Controlled Rate Freezer

Thermo Scientific CryoMed TSCM34MA Controlled-Rate Freezer – 34 L

The Thermo Scientific CryoMed TSCM34MA Controlled-Rate Freezer is a programmable liquid nitrogen (LN₂) freezer designed for precise, repeatable cryopreservation of cells, tissues, biologics, and other temperature-sensitive samples. With a 34-liter (1.2 cu. ft.) chamber, -180°C to +50°C operating range, touchscreen controls, onboard data logging, and customizable freezing profiles, the CryoMed provides the controlled cooling rates required for demanding research, biobanking, cell and gene therapy, and biopharmaceutical applications.

Unlike conventional laboratory freezers used primarily for cold storage, a controlled-rate freezer actively manages the rate at which samples are cooled. This controlled process can help minimize damaging intracellular ice formation and improve post-thaw viability for sensitive biological materials.

This used Thermo Scientific CryoMed controlled-rate freezer is reconditioned and tested by American Instrument Exchange prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty.

Key Features

• 34 L (1.2 cu. ft.) controlled-rate freezing chamber

• Wide -180°C to +50°C temperature range

• Liquid nitrogen (LN₂) controlled-rate freezing system

• Front-loading chamber design

• Touchscreen user interface for programming and run monitoring

• Six preset freezing profiles

• Capacity for up to 14 user-defined custom freeze profiles

• Dual solenoid valves for controlled LN₂ injection

• Type T thermocouples monitor chamber and sample temperatures

• Onboard data logging and USB data export

• PDF run logs for documentation and traceability

• PC interface software support for programming and run review

• User security with multiple levels of accessibility

• Alarm monitoring for temperature, thermocouple, heater, power, and run conditions

• Capacity for fewer than 800 vials, depending on vial and rack configuration

• 120V, 60 Hz electrical operation

• 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange

Overview

The Thermo Scientific CryoMed TSCM34MA is designed to provide controlled, reproducible freezing of biological samples before transfer into long-term cryogenic storage. Rather than simply exposing samples to an extremely cold environment, the CryoMed regulates the freezing process according to a programmed temperature profile.

This capability is particularly important when working with cells and other biological materials whose viability can be affected by the rate of temperature change. During cryopreservation, uncontrolled cooling can contribute to intracellular ice formation, osmotic stress, and cellular damage. A controlled-rate freezer allows laboratories to establish and reproduce cooling profiles appropriate for their samples and protocols.

The CryoMed system uses dual solenoid valves to regulate LN₂ injection while an engineered air-handling system circulates cold air through the chamber. Type T thermocouples monitor chamber and sample temperatures, providing real-time information throughout the freezing cycle.

Operators can select from six preset profiles or create as many as 14 custom freezing profiles for laboratory-specific protocols. This combination of programmable operation and data logging makes the CryoMed especially useful for laboratories where reproducibility, documentation, and process consistency are important.

Common Applications

The Thermo CryoMed controlled-rate freezer is commonly used for cryopreservation of mammalian cells, stem cells, primary cells, immune cells, cell lines, tissue samples, reproductive materials, and other biological specimens. It is particularly valuable for workflows where maintaining post-thaw sample viability is critical.

Controlled-rate freezing systems are frequently found in cell and gene therapy research, biobanking facilities, pharmaceutical and biotechnology laboratories, vaccine development programs, academic research institutions, clinical research laboratories, and other facilities performing repeatable cryopreservation protocols.

Ideal Laboratory Types

The CryoMed TSCM34MA is particularly well suited for cell and gene therapy laboratories, biobanks, regenerative medicine programs, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical research facilities, vaccine development laboratories, academic research institutions, core laboratories, and cell culture facilities.

Its programmable profiles and electronic run documentation can also make it a valuable platform for organizations developing standardized cryopreservation workflows or operating within environments where traceability and consistent processing procedures are important.

For growing biotechnology companies, purchasing a refurbished controlled-rate freezer can also provide access to specialized cryopreservation technology without the expense associated with purchasing a comparable new system.

Controlled-Rate Freezing Performance & Temperature Uniformity

The CryoMed TSCM34MA combines controlled LN₂ injection with active air circulation to provide consistent chamber conditions during a programmed freezing cycle. Dual solenoid valves regulate liquid nitrogen injection volume, while the internal air-handling system distributes cooling throughout the chamber.

Both chamber temperature and sample temperature are monitored using Type T thermocouples, allowing the system to respond to actual conditions during the freezing process rather than relying solely on a programmed timer.

Operators can use preset freezing programs or develop custom profiles based on their cryopreservation protocols. This flexibility is particularly useful when different cell types, sample volumes, cryoprotectants, or research protocols require different cooling characteristics.

Integrated alarms provide additional sample protection by alerting users to conditions including thermocouple failure, heater malfunction, high or low temperature limits, temperature tracking issues, power interruption, and completion of a programmed run.

Sample Freezing & Storage Recommendations

The CryoMed TSCM34MA should primarily be viewed as a sample processing system rather than a long-term storage freezer. Samples are typically prepared with the appropriate cryoprotective medium, loaded into compatible cryogenic containers, processed through a validated or laboratory-established controlled-rate freezing profile, and then transferred to appropriate long-term cryogenic storage.

After controlled freezing, samples may be transferred into a liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage system or other validated ultra-low-temperature storage environment appropriate for the specific application.

The appropriate cooling rate, endpoint temperature, cryoprotectant concentration, vial configuration, and final storage conditions depend on the biological material and laboratory protocol. Laboratories should establish or follow validated procedures appropriate for their specific cells, tissues, or other samples.

Key Specifications

LN₂ Requirements & Operating Considerations

Unlike a compressor-driven laboratory freezer, the CryoMed relies on liquid nitrogen as the cooling source during controlled-rate freezing cycles. Facilities considering this unit should therefore have an appropriate LN₂ supply and infrastructure available.

The CryoMed requires a compatible low-pressure liquid nitrogen supply. LN₂ consumption will vary depending on the freezing profile, starting temperature, chamber loading, number of runs, ambient conditions, and operating practices.

Because the CryoMed is intended for processing rather than continuous long-term sample storage, laboratories should consider the complete cryopreservation workflow when planning installation. This typically includes an LN₂ supply for the controlled-rate freezer as well as suitable cryogenic or ultra-low-temperature equipment for storage after the freezing cycle has been completed.

Refurbishment & Testing

This Thermo Scientific CryoMed TSCM34MA is supplied used and reconditioned by American Instrument Exchange. Our technicians inspect, clean, and test the system prior to shipment to confirm proper operation.

For temperature-controlled equipment, AIE uses NIST-traceable temperature measurement equipment and data logging equipment as appropriate during testing. Controls, displays, chamber components, electrical systems, seals, exterior housing, and other major operating components are inspected for integrity and functionality.

Because controlled-rate freezing applications can vary considerably between laboratories, customers with specific testing requirements are encouraged to discuss their application with American Instrument Exchange before shipment. When practical, our technicians can work with customers to address application-specific testing requests during the refurbishment process.

This refurbished CryoMed controlled-rate freezer includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.

Shipping & Installation

The Thermo CryoMed TSCM34MA ships from the American Instrument Exchange warehouse in Massachusetts and can be delivered throughout the United States or internationally.

At approximately 174 lb., the system should be installed on a suitable laboratory surface with adequate space for ventilation, electrical access, and the required liquid nitrogen connection. Laboratories should confirm that the installation location can accommodate the unit's approximately 43.3"W × 24.3"D × 21.7"H exterior dimensions as well as any necessary LN₂ supply equipment and service clearance.

American Instrument Exchange can arrange freight transportation and work with customers to determine appropriate shipping and delivery requirements.

Related Laboratory Equipment

Laboratories using a controlled-rate freezer frequently require additional equipment for both upstream cell processing and downstream frozen sample storage. American Instrument Exchange offers a large selection of refurbished cryogenic storage systems for long-term LN₂ sample storage as well as ultra-low temperature freezers for -80°C storage applications.

Cell culture and cryopreservation laboratories may also require CO₂ incubators for maintaining cultures before harvesting, biosafety cabinets for aseptic cell handling, and laboratory centrifuges for cell harvesting, washing, and sample preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a controlled-rate freezer used for?

A controlled-rate freezer is used to cool biological samples according to a programmed temperature profile before long-term cryogenic storage. Controlling the rate of cooling can help reduce cellular damage associated with uncontrolled freezing and is commonly used when preserving cells, tissues, and other sensitive biological materials.

Is the Thermo CryoMed TSCM34MA an ultra-low freezer?

No. Although the CryoMed can reach temperatures as low as -180°C, it serves a different purpose than a conventional -80°C ultra-low freezer. The CryoMed is designed to control the freezing process, while an ultra-low freezer is primarily designed to maintain samples continuously at a stable storage temperature.

Can samples remain in the CryoMed for long-term storage?

The CryoMed is primarily intended for controlled-rate sample freezing rather than long-term storage. After completing the freezing protocol, samples are generally transferred to an appropriate cryogenic storage system or other validated low-temperature storage environment.

Why is controlled-rate freezing important for cell viability?

The rate at which cells are cooled can influence ice crystal formation, osmotic changes, and other stresses that occur during cryopreservation. A controlled-rate freezer allows laboratories to reproduce an established cooling profile, helping improve process consistency and potentially improving post-thaw recovery for sensitive cell types.

Can laboratories create their own freezing programs?

Yes. The CryoMed provides six preset freezing profiles and allows users to create up to 14 custom profiles. This makes it possible to establish different protocols for specific cell types, sample configurations, or research applications.

Does the CryoMed require liquid nitrogen?

Yes. The TSCM34MA uses liquid nitrogen for cooling and requires connection to an appropriate low-pressure LN₂ supply. Laboratories should account for LN₂ supply and installation requirements when planning where the system will be operated.

Does the CryoMed record data from each freezing cycle?

Yes. The system incorporates onboard data logging and USB data export capabilities. Run information can be exported for documentation, recordkeeping, and review, making the system useful for laboratories where cryopreservation process traceability is important.

How many samples can the CryoMed TSCM34MA process?

Thermo specifies a vial capacity of fewer than 800 vials for this 34-liter configuration. Actual capacity depends on vial size, racks, sample containers, and the configuration required for the laboratory's freezing protocol.

Is a refurbished controlled-rate freezer appropriate for cell and gene therapy research?

A properly tested refurbished controlled-rate freezer can provide a cost-effective option for research and development laboratories performing cell and gene therapy, stem cell, immunology, and related cryopreservation work. Laboratories operating under regulated manufacturing or validated production protocols should determine whether the equipment, documentation, and qualification requirements are appropriate for their specific quality system.

What warranty is included with this refurbished Thermo CryoMed freezer?

This used and reconditioned Thermo Scientific CryoMed controlled-rate freezer includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange unless otherwise noted. Customers with specific testing or application requirements should contact AIE before shipment so those requirements can be discussed with our technical team.