|
Biosample Donation Networks (BDNs) collect blood, tumour and unaffected tissue samples from donors according to standardised procedures. Any cancer patient may donate, providing it does not impact on their clinical care or any trial they may be participating in.
The key to the successful collection, distribution and use of samples is the donors’ participation and continued cooperation. Specifically trained healthcare professionals guide the informed consent process using onCore UK's ethically approved consent documents. The onCore UK consent form and patient information sheet entitled 'Giving Tissue and Blood Samples for Cancer Research' are available in print and online in several different languages.
Blood is collected as a single donation from each patient who gives consent. We provide equipment, standard consumables and train staff to use the kits to ensure sample quality and consistency. Blood samples are stabilised at the hospital by a Biomedical Scientist specifically trained in onCore UK standard operating procedures, usually within 30 minutes of collection to maintain sample integrity and quality.
Tissue donations do not require the donor to have any extra procedures since we collect samples as formalin fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks via routine hospital pathology departments. We collect tissue both prospectively and retrospectively and only when it is deemed surplus to the requirements of clinical care. In the future, as onCore UK develops and strives to meet the needs of the research community, we may extend our collections to include other tissue sample types.
Samples are collected from the hospital on a regular basis and transported on dry ice to a secure central repository licensed by the Human Tissue Authority. Temperatures are monitored constantly during transport and records are maintained. At the repository blood samples are stored at -80°C in a mechanical freezer or -170°C in vapour-phase liquid nitrogen. FFPE tissue and dried blood spots are stored at room temperature. Each sample location is registered on our CELL database for ease of retrieval and to comply with regulatory requirements. Please see researcher pages for more information on sample processing and storage.
|
