Background: Our cord blood banking facility planned and executed a transferral of its entire operation to a new site in the South of Brazil. Transporting LN2 freezers is a complex process in which extensive planning is essential to minimize the risks of damaging products or storage units.
Methods: To fulfill this objective, we constructed a detailed relocation plan consisting of four phases and risk mitigation measures, collaborated with the representatives of all departments, regulating agencies, and professionals from the transport company, and assembled a validation plan for cryogenic freezers and the viability of cord blood units.
Results: The new facility was prepared in accordance with the project plan, local legislation, quality system program requirements, and accreditation agency guidance. A 12-h operation of moving the cryogenic freezers was conducted successfully, with no loss or damage of client samples or equipment.
Conclusion: Through the development and execution of a transferral plan, the engagement of appropriate partners, and compliance with security measures from health and government agencies, a successful transferral of a cord blood banking facility operation in its entirety can be successfully accomplished.
Keywords: cellular therapy; cord blood; cryopreservation; health facility accreditation; quality control.
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