SOP · HUSBANDRY
Cryo Gamete Banking & Preservation
ActiveHusbandryRev B
Purpose
To govern the collection, cryopreservation, and long-term storage of drone semen and embryonic material that secures the genetic diversity of the HIVE-13 program. The procedure ensures sample viability, inventory integrity, and recoverable lineage across decades of storage.
Scope
All gamete and germplasm cryopreservation and the cryobank inventory.
In scope:
- Drone semen collection and dilution
- Controlled-rate freezing and vitrification
- Cryostorage inventory and dewar level management
- Sample retrieval and thaw for breeding use
Out of scope:
- Live queen insemination, which follows Queen-Rearing & Grafting
- Liquid-nitrogen plant maintenance, which follows facility engineering work orders
Definitions
Vitrification
Ultra-rapid cooling that solidifies a sample without damaging ice-crystal formation.
Dewar
A vacuum-insulated vessel holding samples under liquid nitrogen at cryogenic temperature.
Cryo-Cane
A labelled holder organising straws of a single lineage within a dewar canister.
Responsibilities
Cryobank Lead (Owner)
Owns the procedure and authorises all deposits, withdrawals, and inventory reconciliations.
Cryo Technician
Performs collection, freezing, storage, and dewar level monitoring.
Breeding Program Lead
Defines which lineages are banked and approves retrievals for breeding.
Procedure
Collection & Preparation
- Collect drone semen from mature, screened drones into prepared diluent.
- Assess motility and concentration before loading straws.
- Label each straw with lineage, batch, and date.
Freezing & Storage
- Run the controlled-rate freeze or vitrification protocol for the sample type.
- Transfer straws onto canes and lower into the assigned dewar canister.
- Update the cryobank inventory with exact canister and cane positions.
Maintenance & Retrieval
- Check dewar nitrogen levels on the scheduled cadence and top up before the floor.
- Reconcile physical inventory against the register monthly.
- Thaw retrieved straws per protocol and log the withdrawal against its lineage.
PPE & Controls
Cryogenic gloves and face shieldLong-sleeve apronOxygen-deficiency monitor in storage room
Records Generated
- Sample deposit and viability log
- Cryobank inventory register
- Dewar nitrogen level record
References
- Queen-Rearing & Grafting
- Venom & Apitoxin Extraction
- HIVE Germplasm Conservation Plan
Revision History
| Rev | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2091-04-14 | Initial release of gamete banking procedure. |
| B | 2091-06-08 | Added oxygen-deficiency monitoring and monthly reconciliation. |