The HTBSR facilitates successful translation of basic research to the clinical setting by providing an extensive repository of tissue samples from patients with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma, accompanying pathologic, cytogenetic and clinical data for correlation of clinical and biological results, and expert training and support for cancer investigators.
A National Cancer Institute-sponsored biorepository, the HTBSR has more than 85,000 vials of cryopreserved viable cells and 17,000 vials of matched frozen plasma and/or serum samples from more than 9,000 patients.
HTBSR functions in accordance with all international and national best-practice standards required of biorepositories including the NCI Best Practices, International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) as well as the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Biorepository Accreditation Program. Quality control and assurance are made priority with all policies and procedures being accredited.
Services
Access to HTBSR services and specimen release can be requested here - Sample Request Form
Type of malignant/benign specimens collected include:
- Peripheral blood
- Bone marrow aspirate
- Plasma/Serum
- Cerebrospinal and peritoneal fluid
- Leftover products of therapeutic leukapheresis
- Tissue biopsy samples (excisional and core biopsy)
Control specimens include:
- Healthy blood (donor)
- Healthy skin cells (via skin punch biopsy)
- Umbilical cord blood
- Hip bone tissue (healthy)
The HTBSR’s services include:
Tumor Cell Isolation, Derivative Sample Preparation and Cryopreservation of Viable Cells
Cells from bone marrow aspirates and peripheral blood samples are isolated by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. After a viable cell count is completed, cells are washed and allocated for derivative sample preparation as determined by the corresponding treatment, correlative studies or research protocol. Remaining viable cells are cryopreserved and stored long-term in a liquid nitrogen freezer.
Cytological Slide Preparation
The cytological centrifuge is a specialized instrument to deposit cells uniformly into a defined area on a glass slide. These slides are then preserved and stored for future microscopic evaluations (e.g., immunocytochemistry).
Dangerous Goods Shipping
Packages containing human samples and/or dry ice require special shipping procedures. The HTBSR is experienced in the proper routes to ensure safe delivery of samples to off-campus recipients.
DNA Isolation From Mononuclear Cells
To investigate genetic/epigenetic changes that may occur with disease, the HTBSR isolates high-quality DNA from fresh or cryopreserved mononuclear cell fractions of bone marrow aspirate or peripheral blood samples.
DNA Isolation From Mouthwash
DNA isolation from buccal (cheek lining) cells collected on a swab or in mouthwash provides normal germline DNA from our patients so that disease-specific changes can be identified.
Materials Processing for Studies
The HTBSR can process material for studies including protein, RNA and DNA, and also can prepare cDNA from RNA samples. The resource also coordinates central molecular and flow cytometry analyses for studies as needed. Central isolation of protein and nucleic acids has allowed the HTBSR to provide investigators with the exact amount of uniform, high-quality material required, thereby conserving material obtained from a single vial of cells for additional studies. We make every attempt to customize sample handling, processing and storage to suit each clinical trial we support.
PAXgene Sample Processing
In cases where immediate Ficoll separation is not feasible, the HTBSR utilizes the PAXgene Blood system. This consists of specialized tubes for blood collection and stabilization as well as purification of high-quality DNA or RNA in a single-tube procedure.
Primary Cell Culture
Following isolation from blood or marrow, patient tumor cells can be cultured for a limited time in sterile media. This procedure is useful for testing experimental agents or conditions, allowing the researcher to monitor changes in live tumor cells under carefully controlled conditions.
Quality Control of Derivative Specimens
This includes highly sensitive analysis of DNA, RNA and protein preparations via a new Qubit fluorometer. This instrument enables quick determination of concentration and quality of isolates while preserving the bulk of the sample for research.
Research Consultation – Sample Selection and Data Processing
Our staff will work with investigators to customize sample procurement, handling, processing and storage. We work with investigators to identify samples in the biorepository to match their research requirements.
RNA Isolation From Mononuclear Cells
We prepare RNA according to a variety of methodologies to best suit requirements of the individual research project.
Sample Retrieval, Packaging and Shipping
Once a sample set has been identified for a specific clinical trial or research study, we retrieve samples from long-term storage (and, if needed, prepare derivative specimens) to be released either to investigators at Ohio State or collaborators around the world.
Serum or Plasma Isolation
Serum (fluid from clotted blood) and plasma (fluid from non-clotted blood) can be derived from whole blood as needed according to the research protocol.
Fees
| Service | Unit | FY25 Internal Rates | FY25 External Rates | FY25 Industry Rates |
| Administrative Fee, Tier 1 support | Project | 787.13 | 1,239.73 | 1,323.95 |
| Administrative Fee, Tier 2 support | Project | 1,574.00 | 2,479.05 | 2,647.47 |
| Administrative Fee, Tier 3 support | Project | 2,624.00 | 4,132.80 | 4,413.57 |
| Aliquoting/Storing 500ul of PB | Vial | 23.00 | 36.23 | 38.69 |
| Bone Tissue Collection | Sample | 186.00 | 292.95 | 312.85 |
| Cell type enrichment with frozen cell pellet (no MNC prep) | Vial | 156.00 | 245.70 | 262.39 |
| Dangerous goods shipping charge | Supply | 12.00 | 18.90 | 20.18 |
| Dangerous goods shipping container | Supply | 71.00 | 111.83 | 119.42 |
| Distribution of Previously Collected Sample Material (includes de-identification) | Sample | 40.00 | 63.00 | 67.28 |
| DNA from Buccal Cells | Sample | 103.00 | 162.23 | 173.25 |
| DNA Prep from MNC (1-10 vials) | Sample | 171.00 | 269.33 | 287.62 |
| DNA Prep from MNC (each additional vial) | Sample | 37.00 | 58.28 | 62.23 |
| Dry Ice (for transport/shipping) | Supply | 38.00 | 59.85 | 63.92 |
| Fresh Normal Umbilical Cord Blood Collection and Distribution | Sample | 131.00 | 206.33 | 220.34 |
| Healthy Donor Blood Sample Collection/Distribution | Sample | 61.00 | 96.08 | 102.60 |
| MNC Prep and Storage (1-10 vials) | Sample | 259.00 | 407.93 | 435.64 |
| MNC Prep and Storage (each additional 10 vials) | Sample | 101.00 | 159.08 | 169.88 |
| Plasma/Serum Prep and Storage | Vial | 31.00 | 48.83 | 52.14 |
| RNA Prep from MNC (1-10 vials) | Sample | 195.00 | 307.13 | 327.99 |
| RNA Prep from MNC (each additional vial) | Sample | 44.00 | 69.30 | 74.01 |
| Sample Prep from Biopsy EG Lymph Node | Sample | 136.00 | 214.20 | 228.75 |
| Sample Procurement | Hours | 102.00 | 160.65 | 171.56 |
| Sample Receipt and Storage of previously collected samples | Vial | 50.00 | 78.75 | 84.10 |
| Sample Retrieval and Distribution | Sample | 44.00 | 69.30 | 74.01 |
| Sample search and selection from existing inventory (manager) | Hours | 75.00 | 118.13 | 126.15 |
| Sample Search and Selection from Existing Inventory (director) | Hours | 160.00 | 252.00 | 269.12 |
| Technician Time (LTB staff); minimum 2 hours | Hours | 64.00 | 100.80 | 107.65 |
| Technician Time (Coordinating Staff); minimum two hours | Hours | 73.00 | 114.98 | 122.79 |
| Fresh Specimen Distribution - Malignant | Hours | 77.00 | 121.28 | 129.51 |