WeSolve Manages Move of a National Research Lab for Childhood Diseases
Relocating hopes and cures.
The Client
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Research Institute, renowned for its work related to pediatric diseases.
Project Summary
When the organization moved into a new facility, Dr. Douglas C. Wallace, from the University of California-Irvine, was recruited to establish CHOP’s Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine at the facility.
Dr. Wallace’s experience with WeSolve on a previous relocation project gave him the confidence that we could seamlessly transfer his lab, which included relocating an entire lab across the country in a short time frame, protecting sensitive, valuable equipment during the transfer, and maintaining the integrity of frozen cell specimens throughout the process.
The Challenge
Our project managers spent two days with Dr. Wallace and his team in California, meticulously documenting the equipment and materials in the lab and determining how the critical items would be transported.
The most important aspect of the lab relocation was the preservation of frozen cell specimens, a culmination of forty years of mitochondrial research and testing. As Dr. Wallace explained, “These cell line specimens are the foundation, the lifeblood of our work. Without them, we would not have the ability to move forward with therapeutic applications and drug testing.”
The Solution
Customized crates were built to protect the lab’s sensitive equipment and devices. We also arranged for the testing equipment to be decommissioned, recertified and invalidated.
To protect the frozen specimens, WeSolve arranged for refrigerated transport. The drivers complied with all governmental regulations related to biological materials transportation and placed backup generators and extra liquid nitrogen tanks on board. From origin to destination, the highly sensitive freezers were continuously monitored for variations in temperature.
“The hospital has a solid working relationship with WeSolve. When we received word that Dr. Wallace would be joining our team, WeSolve’s involvement was a natural fit. They were responsive to our needs, and the only company who could meet the tight time schedule. In every aspect, WeSolve delivered.”
–Director of Research Resources, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute
Upon arrival at the CHOP facility, just prior to offloading, one freezer gauge differed slightly from the rest. Within thirty minutes, we arranged to have two spare freezer units on-site in case they were needed. When the temperature in the freezer stabilized without intervention, the specimens were safely delivered.
The Result
WeSolve was the only relocation company willing to commit to safely transfer these items, in partnership with Dr. Wallace and his team members, 2,800 miles within the required time frame.
In the end, our team ensured that the relocation of the lab’s materials and personnel was accomplished on schedule and that all materials were delivered safely.
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