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Biospecimen Operations

In the post-genome era, new advances in medical science require high-quality biospecimens (tissue, bodily fluid, or other material from an individual), allowing researchers to better link molecular and clinical information when studying disease and its progression. For more than two decades, we have been providing technical services and expertise to our clients to manage a broad range of epidemiology and health-related studies, geographically located throughout the world, that require the collection of biospecimens. Knowledge gained from these projects provides us with an invaluable resource to develop the standardized and innovative procedures to obtain high-quality biospecimens in a cost-efficient manner.

Selected Projects

• National Registry of Genetically Triggered Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Cardiovascular Diseases (2006–2010). A multicenter study to establish a repository of data and biological specimens for investigations to examine the cause, treatment, and outcomes related to genetic thoracic aortic aneurysms and related cardiovascular conditions. Biospecimens being collected, processed, and stored at the RTI repository include whole blood, plasma, buffy coat, RBC/WBC cell pellets, cryopreserved lymphocytes, saliva, and tissue.
• International Consortium for Applied Radiation Research (2006–2008). A study to collect clinical and biological data on workers constructing the containment structure for the damaged Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant to identify genetic and metabolic markers related to low-dose radiation exposure over time. Biospecimens being collected and shipped to the RTI repository include whole blood for RNA and DNA extraction, buffy coat, plasma, and serum. 
• Data Coordinating and Analysis Center for the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network (2003–2009). A multicenter cohort and nested case-control study to determine the causes of stillbirth. Biospecimens are collected from the mother and baby and include maternal whole blood, cord blood, fetal tissue, placenta, and meconium.
• U.S. Radiologic Technologists (USRT) Cohort Study (2003–2008). As part of a pilot study, RTI developed two blood collection kits to obtain DNA from members of this cohort; one kit includes collection of dried blood spots from a finger stick, the other kit was designed to collect whole blood by venipuncture. RTI also developed an illustrated pamphlet to include with the blood spot kits to inform participants of the step-by-step instructions for preparing, collecting, packaging, and shipping the specimens to a central repository.
• HHV8 and Kaposi's Sarcoma in Italy (1998–2007). A series of seroprevalence, case-control, and clinical trials of elderly Italians diagnosed with endemic, classical Kaposi's sarcoma. Biospecimens collected and stored included whole blood, plasma, dried cell pellets, RNA Paxgene tubes, urine, and toe nails.
• Jamaican Studies of Viral Prevalence, Transmission, and Disease Progression (1986–2006). An array of six longitudinal studies focused on health status of various Jamaican population groups, primarily in relation to exposure to HTLV-1 and HPV and their associated disease identification and progression. RTI designed and established a local specimen processing laboratory and repository to manage a large volume of samples that included whole blood, plasma, serum, cryopreserved lymphocytes, buffy coat, dried cell pellets, RNA Paxgene tubes, tissue, and cervical swabs.
• Multicenter Hemophilia Cohort Studies (1986–2005). A series of studies at 54 domestic and international sites designed to address emergent issues associated with hemophilia and disease outcomes related to blood-borne viral infections. Biospecimens collected and stored included whole blood, plasma, serum, cryopreserved lymphocytes, dried cell pellets, urine, and tissue.

Related Web Sites

• International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories
• NCI Office of Biorepositories and Biospecimen Research