Biospecimen Processing and Biobanking

Overview

The Biomarkers core (BCL) serves as a biorepository for the investigator-initiated clinical research studies, in conjunction with the Clinical Research Resource (CRR)at the Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research. Our services include biospecimen processing (blood, urine, saliva), sample aliquoting and -80°C freezer storage for the duration of the studies. The study protocol should be approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the CRR Clinical Advisory Committee (ClinAC) prior to commencing the sample collection and processing. We also offer consultation on the blood processing protocol and sample storage conditions appropriate for your analytical requirements and project end-goals.

Special instructions

1. Investigators should set up a consultation with the BCL Directorto discuss the project objectives, scope, assays, sample collection, and processing requirements before initiating blood collection.
2. Request for Biomarkers core sample processing services should be included in the CRR review application if the investigators are using CRR inpatient or outpatient phlebotomy services.
3. Projects utilizing phlebotomy services at other sites within CUMC should submit a service request directly to the BCL iLab portal. A copy of the approved IRB protocol should also be submitted for additional review.
4.   Processing supplies (cryovials and freezer boxes) should be purchased and delivered to the lab prior to starting the blood collection.
5. Primary tubes should be labeled (no PHI should be included), placed in biohazard bags and delivered along with a  biospecimen delivery form detailing the protocol number, subject ID, blood draw/drop off times or any other relevant sample information such as any medication that will interfere with the clotting.
6. Sample Drop off:Samples can be dropped off only between 9:00am to 4:00pm. We will not accept samples dropped outside this window.
7. Freezers: BCL will store the aliquoted samples at -80°C only for the duration of the study and or until the requested assays are completed, whichever comes first.

Cost

The cost for blood processing is available on our iLab site.

Project Requests

Please find instructions to register and submit a service request through iLab here.

Sample Submission Guidelines

Please find the Biomarkers Core user policy and general sample submission guidelines here.