Participants

What is the BC Biobank Network (BCBN)?

The BCBN is a large biobank that has been set up at several sites in BC. It was initially set up to support COVID-19 research. Essentially, the BCBN is a province-wide network that has been developed to improve research opportunities for doctors, researchers and patients. The network aims to coordinate research in BC so that patients can be involved in more research studies without having to sign multiple consent forms. The Biobank Network can help researchers have access to biological samples for their  different research studies. The Biobank Network is also an easy way for patients and others to contribute to research.

The goal of the Biobank Network is to help answer research questions so that we have a better understanding of different diseases. This will lead to:

  • Better treatments
  • Improved understanding of diseases

Researchers can request samples and information from the Biobank Network that will be useful for their study.

If you are interested in participating, pease complete this consent form in order to proceed.

What is a Biobank?

A biobank collects samples (e.g., blood) and information from patients or volunteers who choose to participate and stores them in a secure place(s) for use in future research. The samples are divided into small tubes so that they can be used for more than one research project. Researchers request samples from the biobank for their research. To be given the samples, they must show that their research is useful. Biobank also collect medical information about the participants. All information and samples are de identified so that researchers will not know who the sample or the information came from.

At the moment the Biobank Network is focused on collecting blood samples. You can donate blood samples at the time of a standard of care blood draw or by going to any LifeLabs location.

What information can you donate?

In order for the samples you donate to be more useful for research, the BCCBN needs to know some information about you such as:

  • Your age
  • Your sex
  • Whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions

**All information is safely stored in a database on the hospital server. If you decide to give your consent to participate in the Biobank Network then we will ask you permission to collect other medical information about you from your medical records.

Who can contribute samples and information to the Biobank Network?

Any BC resident who is interested in participating in research can participate. At the moment we are focused on enrolling COVID-19 participants but soon we will have mechanisms in place for people interested in any medical research.

If you are interested in medical research you are welcome to donate samples – see the link to the elevtornic consent below or contact us at bc.biobanknetwork.ubc.ca

How can I participate and how do I know participating is safe?

If you want to contribute to the Biobank Network:

  1. Read and sign the consent form. The Biobank Network consent form can be filled out electronically. Go to https://bit.ly/3sZLTj7.
  2. Complete a very short questionnaire online. It will take about 2 minutes to complete.

Visit a lab of your choice to donate a blood sample (3-4 tubes of blood).Your samples will be divided into small tubes and then frozen in a secure biobank freezer. Nobody needs to know you have given to the Biobank Network unless you tell them. Both your samples and your answers to the questionnaire will be given a code number so researchers will not know that the samples or information came from you. Your information is stored in a secure Biobank Network database on the University of British Columbia server. It is protected by firewalls and strict security measures. We work with biobanking and information technology experts who help look after your samples and information.

Only trained Biobank Network staff can get samples from the freezers and access the Biobank network databases.

Being in the Biobank Network doesn’t cost you anything and there are no financial incentives for your participation.

You should know that researchers pay a small fee when they get samples from the Biobank Network. This fee is to cover some of the costs involved in collecting and freezing the samples.

Contact

Any BC resident who is interested in participating in research can participate. At the moment we are focused on enrolling COVID-19 participants but soon we will have mechanisms in place for people interested in any medical research.

If you are interested in medical research you are welcome to donate samples – see the link to the elevtornic consent below or contact us at bc.biobanknetwork.ubc.ca

For more information, contact the bc.biobanknetwork@ubc.ca