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How to Store Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) Properly

How to Store Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) Properly

Jul 14, 2026
Sarah M.

Author

Qianyin New Material has grown into a national high-tech enterprise integrating R&D, production, sales, and services through years of innovation and development. Its business scope covers life sciences, in vitro diagnostic raw materials, new materials, e-commerce for scientific research procurement, testing, and green energy.

Sarah M.

Store unopened Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) long-term at -10 to -30 in a dedicated manual-defrost freezer (never auto-defrost). Once thawed, immediately divide the serum into single-use aliquots to prevent repeat freeze-thaw cycles, and keep them protected from light. Store active liquid aliquots at 2 to 8 and use them within 2 to 4 weeks.

 

⚠️ Key Storage Hazards

1.Avoid Auto-Defrost Freezers: Frost-free freezers heat up periodically to melt ice, causing micro-thaw cycles that degrade growth factors and create heavy precipitation.

2.Prevent Protein Shearing: Repeated freeze-thawing forces ice crystals to reform, breaking down protein structures and causing irreversible aggregation.

3.Shield from Light: Ambient light destroys photo-sensitive vitamins (e.g., riboflavin) and oxidizes serum lipids over time.

 

⚠️ 4-Step Storage Protocol

1. Deep Freezing (Manual Defrost)-10°C to -30°C.

Place unopened bottles directly into a manual-defrost freezer upon arrival, keeping them boxed to block light exposure.

2. Thaw & Mix ThoroughlyPost-Thaw.Thaw gradually (2–8 overnight, then 37 bath with swirling) to ensure a homogeneous solution before opening.

3. Aseptic AliquotingLaminar Flow Hood.

Divide thawed serum into pre-sterilized, single-use working volumes (e.g., 10mL or 50mL tubes) to eliminate repeat freezing.

 

4.Refreeze & LabelDark Storage.

Immediately return working aliquots to -20. Keep active liquid tubes at 2–8 for no longer than 4 weeks.

 

⚠️ Temperature Comparison

Storage Condition

Temp Range

Max Shelf Life

Impact on Quality

Manual Defrost Deep Freezer

-10 to -30

2~5 Years

Gold Standard: Fully preserves protein activity.

Refrigerator(Liquid)

2 to 8

2~4 Weeks

Short-Term: Gradual activity loss after 30 days.

 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does unopened FBS last at -20

A: Unopened FBS stored in a manual-defrost freezer at -20℃ or colder remains stable for up to 5 years from the manufacturing date.

 

Q: Can I refreeze leftover liquid serum from the fridge?

A: Refreezing liquid serum kept at 2℃ to 8 for an extended period is not recommended, as it causes heavy protein precipitation and degrades cell growth performance.

 

Visit us today at www.qymbiomaterial.com to explore our full range of bio-materials.

QYM-Your Trusted Partner for High-quality bio-materials and keep your brand trustworthy with stable, cost-effective bio-materials.

DM us for more technical data and samples.

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