Thermo Scientific TSU400A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer
When years of research, clinical trial materials, or irreplaceable biological specimens are stored in a single cabinet, an ultralow freezer becomes far more than another piece of laboratory equipment—it becomes a critical part of protecting a laboratory's work. The Thermo Scientific TSU400A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer was engineered to provide dependable long-term preservation at temperatures as low as -86°C, combining high-capacity storage with modern refrigeration technology designed to safeguard valuable samples while reducing long-term operating costs.
With 19.4 cubic feet (548 liters) of storage capacity and room for up to 400 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, the TSU400A is an excellent choice for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, hospitals, universities, and research laboratories requiring dependable ultra-low temperature storage.
Laboratories building a complete cold storage program often pair ultralow freezers with laboratory refrigerators for day-to-day reagent storage and laboratory freezers for materials that do not require -80°C preservation. Purchasing a professionally refurbished unit from American Instrument Exchange allows laboratories to acquire premium laboratory equipment while reducing capital expenditures.
Thermo Scientific TSU400A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Key Features
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19.4 cu. ft. (548 L) storage capacity
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Holds up to 400 standard 2-inch cryoboxes
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Adjustable operating temperature from -50°C to -86°C
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Natural hydrocarbon refrigeration technology
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Vacuum insulation panel construction
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Touchscreen user interface
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Manual defrost operation
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Multiple insulated inner doors
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Advanced alarm and monitoring system
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Refurbished and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange
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90-day warranty included
Thermo Scientific TSU400A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Overview
The TSU400A was designed for laboratories that need dependable sample protection without sacrificing operating efficiency. Its hydrocarbon refrigeration system and high-performance vacuum insulation work together to reduce energy consumption while maintaining the temperature stability required for long-term preservation of valuable biological materials. The result is dependable ultra-low temperature performance with lower heat rejection into the laboratory than many earlier-generation ULT platforms.
Modern laboratory workflows rarely rely on a single instrument. Samples are commonly prepared inside biosafety cabinets, cultured in CO₂ incubators, processed using refrigerated centrifuges, and ultimately transferred into an ultralow freezer for long-term preservation. The TSU400A serves as the final stage of that workflow, providing dependable storage that helps preserve research continuity long after samples have been collected and processed.
Common Applications
The Thermo Scientific TSU400A is commonly used for long-term preservation of DNA and RNA libraries, stem cells, cell lines, tissue specimens, plasma, serum, vaccines, pharmaceutical compounds, microbiological collections, forensic evidence, clinical trial materials, and biological reference standards requiring storage at temperatures as low as -86°C.
Its 400-box capacity makes it particularly well suited for academic research laboratories, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical development programs, hospitals, and centralized laboratory storage facilities. Laboratories requiring colder storage than traditional laboratory freezers often select ultralow freezers to provide an additional level of protection for irreplaceable biological materials.
Ideal Laboratory Types
The TSU400A is well suited for:
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Biotechnology laboratories
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Pharmaceutical manufacturers
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Academic research institutions
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Hospitals and clinical laboratories
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Public health laboratories
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Government research facilities
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Contract research organizations
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University core facilities
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Biobanks
Its balance of storage capacity, dependable performance, and modern refrigeration technology makes it an excellent choice for laboratories expanding long-term sample storage without moving to a larger 600-box platform.
Temperature Recovery & Sample Protection
Maintaining an ultra-low setpoint is only part of protecting valuable samples. The TSU400A is engineered to recover quickly following routine door openings while minimizing unnecessary warming of neighboring specimens. Multiple insulated inner doors reduce cold air loss during sample retrieval, allowing laboratory personnel to access only one section of the freezer while helping maintain stable temperatures throughout the remainder of the cabinet. Vacuum insulation panels further improve thermal performance while maximizing usable storage capacity within the cabinet footprint.
Many laboratories preserving especially valuable biological collections also incorporate cryogenic storage systems into their preservation strategy. While ultralow freezers are ideal for routine long-term storage, cryogenic systems provide an additional option for applications requiring liquid nitrogen temperatures and extended biological preservation.
Typical Stored Materials
The Thermo Scientific TSU400A is commonly used to store:
Thermo Scientific TSU400A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Key Specifications
Capacity
Temperature Range
Refrigeration System
Monitoring & Controls
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Touchscreen user interface
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Electronic microprocessor controls
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Alarm and monitoring system
Interior Configuration
Electrical Requirements
Dimensions
Weight
Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs
Ultra-low freezers operate continuously, making energy consumption one of the largest contributors to long-term ownership costs. The TSU400A combines natural hydrocarbon refrigerants with vacuum insulation technology to reduce electrical consumption while minimizing heat released into the laboratory. Lower heat rejection can reduce HVAC demand, improve laboratory comfort, and contribute to lower operating costs for facilities operating multiple pieces of cold storage equipment. Laboratories upgrading older ultralow freezers often see meaningful reductions in energy usage while maintaining the same level of sample protection.
Specifications compiled from Thermo Scientific manufacturer literature and American Instrument Exchange product information.
Refurbishment & Testing Process
Every Thermo Scientific TSU400A received by American Instrument Exchange undergoes a comprehensive inspection and extended performance evaluation before shipment. Our technicians verify pull-down performance, confirm stable operation throughout the operating temperature range, inspect the refrigeration system and compressors, evaluate door gaskets and cabinet insulation, test alarms and electronic controls, verify temperature stability, and thoroughly clean the freezer before delivery.
Laboratories outfitting an entire facility frequently combine refurbished ultralow freezers with laboratory refrigerators, biosafety cabinets, CO₂ incubators, and refrigerated centrifuges to create a complete laboratory equipment solution while reducing overall capital expenditures.
Shipping & Installation Considerations
The Thermo Scientific TSU400A ships by freight from American Instrument Exchange. Before delivery, laboratories should verify doorway clearances, electrical service, floor loading capacity, and adequate ventilation around the cabinet. Proper installation helps maximize refrigeration efficiency, simplify routine maintenance, and support dependable long-term performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cryoboxes can the TSU400A hold?
The TSU400A accommodates up to 400 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, making it an excellent choice for growing research programs and centralized sample storage.
Why are vacuum insulation panels important?
Vacuum insulation panels improve thermal performance while reducing cabinet wall thickness, allowing more usable storage space within the same laboratory footprint.
What types of laboratories commonly use this freezer?
The TSU400A is widely used in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic, clinical, and government research laboratories requiring dependable ultra-low temperature preservation.
How is the freezer tested before shipment?
Every refurbished TSU400A is inspected, cleaned, and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange technicians to verify pull-down performance, temperature stability, alarm functionality, and overall system operation before shipment.
