Monitoring apparatus for temperature-controlled sample collection and transport

A handheld carrier comprising:

• a handle and a tray portion for conveying and monitoring samples during transport, handling and storage;
• and
• an integrated sample identification and temperature sensor configured to monitor a thermal history of one or more samples during transport, handling, storage, and as the sample is conveyed between a first temperature-controlled storage environment and a second temperature-controlled storage environment,
• wherein the handle is coupled to the tray portion and the handle comprises a generally planar top surface extending from the tray, a grip portion descending vertically therefrom and the tray portion including a bearing surface,
• wherein the tray portion is configured to be slid into a port of a rack or tower provided in the first temperature-controlled storage environment in order to withdraw a sample located in the port;
• and
• wherein the handle is configured to be decoupled from the tray portion and recoupled to another tray portion to enable the handle to be used to facilitate conveyance of more than one said tray portion between the first temperature-controlled storage environment and the second temperature-controlled storage environment.