The LABS Core supports investigator-initiated requests to access clinical remnant samples from the BMC Clinical Laboratory. Clinical remnant samples are leftover from those initially collected for clinical purposes and have no remaining clinical utility.
Clinical remnant samples can be useful for a variety of research initiatives. For instance, they can be used to support rapid diagnostic validation and can also be used to reduce sample collection instances for patients enrolled in research who are also receiving regular clinical care and sample collections at BMC.
Investigators are responsible for obtaining and maintaining their own IRB approval as it relates to their proposed project. The LABS Core can provided samples that have been fully coded, and has mechanisms in place to link with the BMC Clinical Data Warehouse to support studies where PI should not have access to protected health information (PHI). Where PHI is required, typically the investigator will either submit for waivers of informed consent and HIPAA authorization with a time-limited link for purposes of linking samples to relevant clinical information, or will obtain consent from the relevant patients whose samples are intended to be use for clinical research. The LABS team can advise on the best path forward.
Sample Types:
| Sample Type | Description |
| Respiratory swab |
Whole sample; stored at -80°C day of collection |
|
Serum |
0.5mL aliquot; at 4°C for up to 7 days, then frozen at -80°C |
|
Plasma |
0.5mL aliquot; at 4°C for up to 7 days, then frozen at -80°C |
|
Fixed Tissue |
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue products; scrolls, slides |
|
Fresh or Frozen tissue |
With appropriate approvals |