Transfer station, interrogation station, and related methods to facilitate transfer of biological specimens stored at cryogenic conditions

Abstract

A system and method facilitates transfers of specimen containers between a cryogenic freezer and a portable, bulk carrier. An interrogation station has a frame and a well that includes a bottom and at least one sidewall that extends upwardly from the bottom towards a top, wherein the bottom, the at least one sidewall, and the top collectively delineate an interior cavity of the well. The frame includes at least one opening that extends through the top so as to provide entry and access to the interior cavity of the well to receive buckets therein. The interrogation station further includes at least one array of antennas arranged within a plane and positioned beneath the bottom at a location in which the at least one array of antennas is aligned with the at least one opening along a vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the plane.