Scaling Alzheimer's Research with Freezerworks
Freezerworks supported SC-ADRC at MUSC launch by building a custom data file, streamlining workflows, improving and automating communication between the Neuropathology and Biomarker teams.
“With Freezerworks, we were able to customize the system to our exact needs. This allowed us to better streamline our operations and improve our overall efficiency. All the staff are amazing to work with, and they made the transition to Freezerworks as smooth as possible.”
ABOUT MUSC
The Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. Neuropathology Laboratory (CCNL) at the Medical University of South Carolina is a brain bank dedicated to studying neurological disorders across South Carolina and abroad. Since 2009, CCNL has collected postmortem specimens, including brains and cerebrospinal fluid, to research Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease.
In 2022, the CCNL became part of the South Carolina Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, which is the only ADRC in the state. This milestone enables longitudinal antemortem collections, allowing the study of Alzheimer's and related dementias over time.
THE SITUATION
While CCNL had robust systems in place for postmortem research, launching the ADRC brought new challenges:
Transitioning to longitudinal studies requires entirely new processes for tracking and storing antemortem samples.
The Neuropathology and Biomarker cores required coordinated workflows to manage shared samples and responsibilities.
Sample transfers relied on email and manual tracking, resulting in slowdowns and inefficiencies.
Pending IRB approval, the team needed a working structure and live data files that met national ADRC and NCRAD requirements.
OUR SOLUTIONS
Planning & Prioritizing Process
During our onsite and remote collaboration, we worked closely with the Neuropathology and Biomarker teams to assess workflows, set priorities, and align on goals. Together, we:
- Outlined workflows for antemortem sample tracking
- Mapped material transfers between cores
- Built a communication plan for IRB readiness
- Structured data to support future visit-based studies
This collaboration helped us meet MUSC’s immediate needs while building a system that can scale their mission.
Creating a Purpose-Built System
Once aligned on priorities, we configured a customized Freezerworks Summit file. The process looked like:
- Creating tailored Batch Entry Forms for blood, brain hemispheres, and CSF to standardize input and improve efficiency.
- Automating workflows to alert teams when materials are ready for pickup, reducing delays and manual communication.
- Enabling real-time notifications between the two cores to simplify coordination.
- Aligning the system with national repository standards to support both outgoing and incoming research collaborations.
- Setting up a live database ready for tracking once IRB approval is received.
Workflows are now visibily identifiable, system-aligned, NCRAD-ready, and automated.
THE OUTCOMES
After our onsite visit, here are the results:
Unified Workflow
Improved cross-team communication through automated processes.
Study Ready
IRB-ready systems and live data set MUSC to start longitudinal study launch.
NCRAD-Ready
Compliant processes now support national research collaboration.
Built to Scale
Designed a flexible and scalable system built to grow with MUSC’s mission.