What Can the BCBN Do for You?
The BCBN allows researchers to have:
- access to high quality biospecimens from participants across BC
- linkage to data sets that annotate biospecimens
- fit for purpose biobanking for specialized service requests
- access to BCBN biospecimen inventory management software
- access to tools and infrastructure for other healthcare issues outside of COVID-19
Biospecimen Access & Inventory
How to Apply to Access Biospecimens & Data
- Researchers can email the BCBN directly (bc.biobanknetwork@ubc.ca) to get access to the application. The BCBN application will also require an REB certificate and applicants CV. REB approval may be pending at the time of application to BCBN. However, specimens and data will not be released until REB certificate is submitted.
- Researcher receives estimates (e.g. samples available, timeline, estimated costs) from BCBN.
- The BCBN Scientific Review Committee assesses application.
- Upon approval of application, BCBN and Researcher will complete supporting documents (e.g. Material Transfer Agreement).
- Biospecimens and data are shipped from BCBN sites.
Biospecimen Inventory
The BCBN has the ability to consent collect, store, and use data with full ethics approval. At the moment our inventory consists of samples collected from individuals who experienced COVID-19. The majority of samples are collected from Post-COVID Recovery Clinic patients who experience lingering symptoms after COVID-19 infection, with multiple collection timepoints.
The BCBN collects data related to participant demographics, COVID-19 infection date, vaccination status, and pre-existing medical conditions with the opportunity to link to other health data sets.
Soon we will be expanding our inventory to other diseases – watch this space!
Sample Type
- Serum
- Plasma
- Buffy Coat
- PAXgene Blood RNA tube (limited patients)
- PBMCs (limited patients)
How to Obtain Services from the BC Biobank Network?
Do you need help with any of the following? Do you have a new project with biospecimen collection activities and want to collaborate? For more information regarding our services please see the following: BCBN Service List.
- Consenting of patients
- Collection of specimens
- Processing of samples
- Storage of samples
- Collection and storage of data
- Linkage of data
The BCBN can help you with any or all of the above. Contact us at bc.biobanknetwork@ubc.ca