A state-of-art Biospecimen Information Management System (BIMS) allows investigators to have the most up-to-date and real-time inventory of available biological specimens and their associated data for analysis.
The CTTB biobank follows harmonized procedures and methods from the time the sample is collected, shipped, processed, and stored. There are well-defined standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each step and samples are stored at different temperatures from room to -190C in liquid nitrogen (LN2). All storage facilities are monitored 24-7 and samples are anonymized and barcoded to maintain the confidentiality of the sample donors.
Sample types collected
- Whole Bloods and Blood spot cards
- Serum, Plasma, PBMC, Buffy coat
- Urine and Stool
- DNA and RNA
- Tissue from biopsies
- Skin swabs
Disease types
- Rheumatology
- Dermatitis
- Nephrology
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Other diseases involving biologics
| Disease | Adult |
| Rheumatology | 150 |
| Gastroenterology | 43 |
| Dermatology | 89 |
What is a Biobank
Biobanking involves storing blood or tissue samples with their associated health information obtained from participants for the purpose of medical research. Participants who choose to participate
- Blood is collected from them during a routine clinical visit, and the amount of blood taken is around one tablespoon and does not pose any risk to the participant.
- Tissue may be taken in the event of surgery/biopsy that would otherwise be discarded as part of your routine procedure.
- Your electronic health information is linked to your samples and may be provided to researchers. Researchers may need to know more about your health and/or the status of your disease in the future in order to perform their research.
- All information is handled with utmost confidence and can only be accessed by permission of the lead investigator and by approval of the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB is a committee of lawyers, doctors, researchers, and members of the community, responsible for protecting participants and making sure all research is done in a safe and ethical manner, and in compliance with applicable law.