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For Researchers

Our Biobank Samples

The Nicklaus Children's Biobank has the ability to collect blood samples (store extracted DNA) and data from a participant over time and to include samples from both the proband and family members is highly significant in terms of the ability of the Biobank to support studies focused on personalized and translational medicine. The Biobank will also collect, process, and store remnant and archived clinical material (tissue and fluids – FFPE & Archival tissue services), and specimens collected specifically for research purposes (tissue and fluids). Samples may be used immediately, further processed (into DNA, cell lines, etc.), and/or stored for future use. It is anticipated that the exact procedures for aliquoting, processing, and storage will vary over time so that the Biobank can optimize the mix of samples and matrices to match evolving research needs.

Sample integrity is essential to the success of every research project. Various Pre and Post-analytical variables can be introduced at numerous points in a sample, beginning at the time it is collected, through transport, receiving, laboratory processing, during storage and subsequent retrieval for analysis. For the Nicklaus Children's Biobank, providing high quality samples is our goal.

Quality

Quality is at the center of everything that we do, from validating our equipment, software and processes, to transporting samples to training our employees. Our Biobank follows current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) guidelines and complies with governing bodies.

Inventory Management

A sample is only as good as the data appended to it. Our inventory management system allows our customers to have access to their data and inventory online, and is easily configurable to requests specifications.

Temperature Monitoring

Maintaining the appropriate storage temperature of a sample is critical for downstream use. Our cold storage units are monitored 24 hours a day for both temperature and humidity. Our units have redundant compressors to prevent temperature excursions if the primary compressor should fail. The monitoring system also notifies personnel or on-call staff, day or night, should the temperature of any unit deviate from its acceptable range.

Security

We are committed to protecting your materials. Our comprehensive security system includes intrusion detection alerts and our facilities, including freezers and other cold storage units, are gated with access-only card readers. In the event of a power outage, every facility is equipped with both uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and one or more back-up generators.

Our Biobank Services

Nicklaus Children's Biobank operates to national and international standards. All biospecimens are validated against original pathological diagnosis to confirm accuracy and assure high quality standards. Nicklaus Children's Biobank supports research by ensuring investigators have access to high quality samples annotated with clinical data.

Nicklaus Children's Biobank provides services in:

  1. baking of samples,
  2. procurement, processing, archiving, and distribution of fresh and formalin-fixed tissues and body fluids,
  3. specimen characterization, quality control, and linkage with pathological and clinical annotation,
  4. auxiliary services including histology, immunohistochemistry, whole blood DNA Extraction, and computer-assisted imaging/image analysis.

Our Biobank is designed to support the biospecimen handling requirements of any local or multi-institutional research study, biobanking, or clinical trial with full integration into our Clinical Trial Management System. 

Biorepository Services

  • Access to Banked samples
  • Modular collection kits for biospecimen collection that allow for standardized collection and specimen annotation from on and off-site locations
  • Body fluid processing and aliquoting
  • Surgical specimen procurement by specialized staff stationed in the pathology suite
  • Tissue fixation and embedding
  • Specimen archiving and inventory
  • Distribution of specimen and associated data for research projects
  • Provide remnant archival material from surgical pathology specimens for research projects
  • Imaging and image analysis (Aperio XT and Syncroscopy tissue imaging system)

Please contact us to discuss your project; our services can be tailored to meet the needs for individual collections and research projects at biobank@nicklaushealth.org. Pricing available upon request.

How to Apply

Step 1:

  • Fill out the RedCap form
  • With your project information and detailed sample request. You will also be required to submit the Curriculum vitae of Principal Investigator (no longer than 2 pages) and IRB approval and amendment letters (or equivalent).
  • We also recommend you read the Nicklaus Children’s Biobank Conditions of Use.

Step 2:

  • We will review your application and provide a feasibility assessment in 5-7 business days.

Step 3:​

  • You will receive letter of approval, plus work order. Upon approval, your project will commence! Any subsequent de-identified clinical data will be securely transferred to you and samples will be shipped expeditiously.
Please contact us to discuss your project. Our services can be tailored to meet the needs for individual collections and research projects at biobank@nicklaushealth.org – Pricing available upon request.