Biosample collection

onCore UK works with selected NHS hospitals in different parts of the country to collect biosamples (principally blood and formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue) donated by cancer patients.

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.  Plain, EDTA and ACD blood collection tubes are used and, for the majority of samples, processing is commenced within 30 minutes of collection to maintain sample integrity and quality.

Tissue donations do not require the donor to have any extra procedures as we collect samples 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.

We accept donations from any cancer patient in the hospitals where we work, providing it does not impact on their clinical care.  We also accept donations from cancer patients already involved in clinical trials providing this does not compromise the trial.

Biosample annotation

To help researchers obtain as much information as possible from the samples we collect, we annotate each sample with relevant clinical data.  To minimise the duplication of efforts, we are working to integrate specific data from cancer registries local to our partner hospitals and from the developing National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN). 

Sample information is stored in our dedicated CELL database, a Biosample Information Management System (BIMS) developed specifically for this purpose.  The CELL system links each Biosample Donation Network (BDN) to our central repository.  Once we make anonymised samples available to researchers, the CELL system will link to our distribution portal, the Biosample Expeditor Service.

Biosample storage

Blood samples are processed into smaller volumes shortly after collection in the hospitals.  Droplets of whole blood are stored on FTA Elute cards for future DNA extraction and the remaining blood is separated into serum, plasma, red cells and buffy coat for storage at -80°C at the hospital.  Whole blood from ACD tubes is stored with cryoprotectant for future cell culture and transformation.

Samples are 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 samples are stored at -80°C in a mechanical freezer or -170°C in vapour-phase liquid nitrogen.  Each sample location is registered on our CELL database for ease of retrieval and to comply with regulatory requirements.

All storage equipment for frozen samples is fully validated and constantly monitored using probes calibrated to national standards.  The equipment is alarmed and staff are available 24 hours a day to respond should an alarm sound. 

FFPE Tissue and FTA elute cards are stored at room temperature in an air-conditioned, humidity monitored facility.