The Cube

The Cube Ltd
St John's Innovation Park
Cowley Road
Cambridge
CB4 0WS, UK

The Cube Ltd
Bayview House
49 North Strand Road
Dublin 3
Ireland

Tel UK:
Tel Ireland
Email:

+44 (0) 1223 420252
+353 (0) 16853157
info@thecube.eu.com

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Case Studies

Specialising in the design of in vivo and in vitro laboratories and monitoring as well as validating laboratory performance we have a wealth of experience and have worked with some of the biggest names in the field. Below is a list of case studies that can be found on this website, for an extended client list please click here.

Design Services

A leading UK Pharmaceutical Research Centre wanted to increase the productivity of a key multi-floored Biology Building. The Cube produced a detailed feasibility study and conducted workshops to review and considerer the different options. The client selected an automation package that enabled a significant increase in productivity of the facility. The Cube supported the client with Concept Design, User Requirement Specifications and Factory Acceptance Tests.

To find out more about our design services click here.

Refurbishment

A leading Irish university was seeking to improve the standard of research model available for use. The Cube was able to provide a package of recommendations based on detailed user interviews and subsequently developed the user brief. We continued to add value to the project at all stages including issuing the initial design, material and equipment selection through to operational procedures. The project was delivered on time, to a modest budget and now offers high standard accommodation and research models.

To find out more about our refurbishment services click here.

Investigative and Remedial projects

A university in the East of England had been experiencing severe problems with its environmental control in its biology laboratories and significant issues with contamination of cell cultures in its in vitro laboratories. The Cube was asked to investigate both issues. A design review and on the ground investigation of the issues was completed and a set of remedial recommendations issued and accepted.

To find out more about our investigative services click here.

Specialist Laboratory design

A major government laboratory was reviewing the options for a new campus, with the requirement for a wide range of containment laboratories and other specialist facilities. The Cube was involved in the feasibility studies, planning, and concept design. Helping the client to review all the options and make informed choices.

To find out more about our specialist design services click here.

Flexible Laboratory fit out

A prestigious Irish research laboratory had been progressing with the designs for its refurbishment programme of mixed disciplines. A meeting with The Cube soon convinced the lab manager and senior management of the value of the Flexi-lab system. The Cube designed the initial layout which included flexible benching, furniture, power & data points. We coordinated and supervised delivery and monitored installation and approved handover. Sure enough within days of opening there was a requirement to rearrange areas of the laboratory benching and this was achieved by the lab staff in a few hours.

To find out more about our flexible laboratory fit out services click here.

Scientific Process Re-Engineering

A leading UK research campus wanted to increase the productivity of its research and increase the capacity within the existing facility. Detailed studies took place that realised the opportunity for a 15% increase using the same staff and space. This was achieved by streamlining processes and increasing the up time of facilities enabling for more even work flows.

To find out more about our scientific process re-engineering services click here.

Pre project decontamination
The Biology laboratory of a leading UK university was due for refurbishment. There was great concern over the amount of biological risk (pathogens and allergens) remaining prior to handover to the contractors. The Cube were called in at short notice and cleaned all the buildings (including organics from feral pigeons which had entered the vacated premises) and disinfected. Handover was achieved on time and the contractors were able work in a safe environment.

To find out more about our pre project decontamination services click here.

Post project decontamination
Prior to the opening of a 100+ room laboratory in the East of England a complete clean down to 'operating theatre' standard of cleanliness was necessary. A lack of cleanliness would jeopardise this multi million pound project form the start. Working in close cooperation with the building owners a phased programme of clean down was implemented. This enabled a phased handover to the owners speeding their occupation and ensuring confidence in the building. Cleanliness was quantified. The operation was complered at half the cost of a competed non specialist bidder.

To find out more about our post project decontamination services click here.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) development
A leading pharmaceutical company was opening new laboratories in Central UK and required guidance on operating the new laboratory efficiently and safely. Through a series of consultations The Cube provided clear guidance to the managers for developing a set of SOP's during the building planning stage. These could be modified as the building developed and procedures evolved.

To find out more about our SOP development services click here.

Stability testing
It is a Home Office requirement that Biology laboratories are able to demonstrate stable environmental conditions for an extended period before becoming operational and they must continue to meet these criteria during operation. A large multi national laboratory in the south east of England used us to provide the stability test data and our subsequent reports for Home Office submission before opening each phase of the £50M laboratory over a five year period. We continued to provide regular monitoring to ensure that environmental conditions remained good. Wherever conditions were outside accepted parameters a successful dialogue with site engineers and external contractors soon bought things back on track.

To find out more about our stability testing services click here.

Environmental monitoring
A biology laboratory in the East of England was undergoing remedial works (performed by The Cube) to rectify problems with the HVAC system. To satisfy the authorities it was necessary to demonstrate that temporary conditions were an improvement on current conditions. A full survey and monitoring programme produced the necessary evidence that the facility was compliant and occupation of the temporary laboratories was effected.

To find out more about our environmental monitoring services click here.

Air contamination monitoring including LAA
A large laboratory in London asked the Cube to monitor its environment and personnel to identify risk areas. Personal and environment monitoring was carried out and areas of very significant exposure were identified. The Cube assisted with remedial actions (both equipment and procedural) and a further survey demonstrated a significant improvement.

To find out more about our pre project decontamination services click here.

Bio-cleanliness
A national charity had invested considerable sums in the provision of a Reverse Osmosis water supply. The Cube were asked to test the water at the dispensing source and identified issues of biocleanliness which were later resolved.

To find out more about our air contamination monitoring services click here.

Sterilising process validation
As part of the validation process for a sophisticated equipment washing and sterilising system The Cube was asked to develop a strategy for testing the effectiveness of the equipment. Only new items were available for processing so an artificial soil was applied and the resultant cleaned cages monitored for cleanliness using our quantitative methods. As a result we were able to demonstrate that items needed to be presented to the washer jets in a particular configuration for complete cleaning. We were also able to show that significant organic matter was hidden, un washed and unseen beneath some fittings.

To find out more about our sterilising process validation services click here.

Sterilising process validation
A very large laboratory in the Cambridge area was relying on a Vapourised Hydrogen Peroxide sterilisation chamber to make safe many of the items imported into the barriered area. The use of the Cubes validation services demonstrated that the chamber was in fact not sterilising in some load positions. After remedial works were completed we were able to validate the efficacy of the repaired chamber.

To find out more about our sterilising process validation services click here.

Other Services
A prestigious Dublin University used our wide knowledge of decontamination processes and cleaning techniques on a consultancy basis to prepare their own laboratories for gaseous decontamination using a service supplier sourced and recommended by The Cube at some considerable saving in costs.