HID Global Develops Innovative Biotechnology RFID Tag to Meet Vital Need in Cryopreservation

HID Global has announced industry leading biotechnology radio frequency identification (RFID) tags designed to meet a critical need in the cryopreservation industry.  The company has developed a cutting-edge solution for use at subzero temperatures, setting it apart from other solutions that focus on harsh, high-heat conditions. The unique tag is already redefining cryogenic storage, enabling facilities to enhance and streamline logistics, thereby maximizing their value to the medical and scientific communities.

Through extensive research, testing and deployment, HID Global and Cryogatt Systems Ltd. partnered to develop viable tags for use at extremely low temperatures in fertility clinics, research laboratories and other storage facilities. The ruggedness of HID Global RFID survives the harshness of storage at temperatures of -196° C, -321° F. Cryogatt and HID Global coordinated testing with the National Institute of Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC). The result was over two million hours ‘mean time between failures’ (MTBF), and not a single recorded failure in the past two years.

“In close cooperation with Cryogatt and their customers, Cryogatt and HID Global engineers successfully designed the unique tags and readers for this innovative application,” said Richard Aufreiter, director product management, Identification Technologies with HID Global. It was an exciting challenge to work at the lower end of the temperature scale, where often materials and electronics behave differently than at room temperature.”

Using a highly durable RFID tag designed for harsh environments, companies worked together to develop an RFID tagging system which entails embedding containers with HID Global’s tiny Glass and Piccolino tags using  HID Vigo Direct Bonding technology. This patented technology allows for the creation of extremely compact and robust transponders with high memory and security features. Associated hardware includes patented Cryogatt readers that work at -196°C and Cryogatt software to accurately locate, record and audit samples throughout the storage lifecycle.

NIBSC implemented the new RFID solution and is now able to accurately track, inventory and simplify the management of long-term samples. The solution delivers accurate data down to the precise vessel, thus optimizing storage space. Pick lists are now simple to create, enabling an accurate pull of samples when needed, and retrieval is now, on average, two to five times faster while maintaining sample safety. Additionally, access to detailed and accurate information has significantly enhanced quality system auditing.

“Traceability is accurate to satisfy regulatory standards and saves hours of searching,” said Kirsty Stevenson, Manager Cold Storage in the Pathology Department of the Bristol Royal Infirmary, a teaching hospital. Other benefits of the HID Global and Cryogatt solution include improved accuracy, optimized storage space, a precise audit trail, enhanced sample safety, and saved time and costs.

”Deploying a solution capable of surviving a harsh and highly regulated cryogenic environment is critical to the success of laboratories, hospitals, fertility clinics and healthcare agencies worldwide,” said Geoff Morris, engineering director, Cryogatt Systems LTD. “Our solution developed with HID Global also provides comfort that the data is accurate for that next compliance audit.”

Featured

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.