If you are thinking of donating biosamples through onCore UK, you may like to hear more about the donation process before you make your final decision.  Our patient information sheet ‘Giving Tissue and Blood Samples for Cancer Research’ explains what will happen if you choose to donate.  You can read this in different languages on our website (see right) or in one of the hospitals that work with us.

The hospital Trusts currently working with onCore UK are:

• Southampton University Hosptial NHS Trust
• Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
• University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
• Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust
• Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Specifically trained healthcare professionals will answer any questions that you have about making your donation.  If you are happy to proceed, these healthcare professionals will then take you through our consent form.   This signed record confirms the donation that you would like to make (blood and/or tumour tissue and relevant clinical information), and allows the healthcare professionals to collect your donated biosamples and data in a way that is most convenient for you.

Most donors give a one-off blood sample at the time of signing the consent form.  We understand that in some cases this will not be convenient for you, so can arrange to meet you at a later date, for example at your next clinic appointment.  Giving a blood sample is similar to having a blood test, and will always be done by someone who has been trained in taking blood for onCore UK.  This means that the way that your blood is collected and the equipment used is the same as for any other donor in the country, and this is important for researchers to know when they study the biosamples.

You do not need to have any extra procedures to donate tumour tissue.  Any tissue removed during your biopsy or operation is routinely sent to the hospital laboratory as part of your care.  Staff in the laboratory receive a copy of your signed onCore UK consent form and will provide us with any samples of your tumour tissue that are not needed for your ongoing care.  You may sign the consent form before or after your procedure(s).