Device for the storage and traceability of biological specimen holders

A device for the storage and traceability of biological specimens placed in holders provided with identification information in the form of encoded data, said device comprising:

• at least one receptacle provided with storage housings for said holders, said receptacle being defined by a tray having a plurality of cells forming said housings, configured each to house a biological specimen holder, delimited by a bottom topped by a peripheral wall,
• at least one apparatus for reading encoded data and determining data relative to the location of each holder within the receptacle, including at least one cavity configured to accommodate the receptacle on a temporary basis,
• means for computerized processing of the data read and determined by said apparatus, and
• means for recognizing an empty housing within said receptacle defined by means for detecting a physical characteristic of the bottom of the cell or an element secured to this bottom.