The biobank holds thousands of samples for use by industry, healthcare professionals and academics.
Since 2021, we have built a significant biobank of clinical samples, collected from Newcastle Hospitals.
We collect, store and provide samples to developers and researchers to support the development of diagnostic tests.
Carefully categorised samples with associated meta data
The thousands of unique samples in our biobank include:
- Respiratory swabs (nose, throat, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal)
- Saliva
- Blood
- Serum
- Plasma
- Urine
- Faeces
- Tissue
- DNA and RNA
Samples can be provided with key associated metadata for example our SARS-CoV-2 samples have known variant status.
We work closely with our sister lab Novopath to give access to over three million tissue samples both archived and collected prospectively for clients.
We continue to grow our biobank across a range of diseases and provide them to researchers and developers. If you require a sample type that you don’t see mentioned above, we can search archived hospital samples and arrange prospective collections, please contact us to discuss.
Sample collection
Our research nurse and sample collection team obtain samples regularly from across Newcastle Hospitals and we also have the governance to collect clinical samples including paired tissue / liquid biopsy collection under bespoke protocols to meet clients’ needs.
Transporting samples
We have the experience to ship temperature-sensitive, perishable samples within the UK, Europe and worldwide. Our samples have been used to validate proof of concept studies, prototype design and to gain regulatory approval from a variety of businesses. To date, we have supplied thousands of samples to our customers.
Registered with the Human Tissue Authority
Our biobank is registered with the Human Tissue Authority and meets all stringent criteria for storage, informed consent and traceability of samples. Managed by our senior scientist Dr Donna Nile, the biobank is held securely on site in our laboratory area, providing easy access to the samples required to carry out validation and testing work.
Samples held in our biobank are collected as part of registered protocols approved by the Research Ethics Committee of North East – Newcastle and Tyneside 1 (IRAS 218428).
Watch our video and read our case studies to learn more about the biobank.
For more information please contact us.
