Information for researchers
Applications
The Oxford Radcliffe Biobank (ORB) and the Oxford Centre for Histopathology Research (OCHRe) are a part of the NDS Bioresource project, and we are moving towards a more integrated application process for all of our biobanks and biobanking services. We are currently in a transition phase and have two application streams.
It is a condition of supply for researchers to acknowledge ORB in any publications or presentations resulting from the use of the samples.
For NDS researchers
Please download and complete the NDS Bioresource Application Form to enquire about accessing ORB samples, data and associated services. Please send the completed form or any queries to bioresource@nds.ox.ac.uk.
For all other applicants
OCHRe and ORB have an integrated application process and applications for accessing ORB samples, data and/or associated services should be made through OCHRe.
Contact OCHRe to make an enquiry or please visit the OCHRe website for further information.
Researchers outside of the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust or University of Oxford will be required to complete a Material Transfer Agreement.
Available Samples
The ORB also provides a regulatory umbrella to satisfy Human Tissue Authority licensing requirements for access to existing archives of samples whether collected under ORB ethics or an equivalent alternative, subject to the latter satisfying due diligence checks that appropriate ethical approval and consent exists to allow the proposed use.
The ORB aims to streamline access to these prospectively and retrospectively collected human samples. Collection methods can be designed to meet specific research requirements.
Tissue collection is undertaken for a variety of research purposes and, where possible, diseased and normal samples are collected from each patient. Various formats of samples are collected, including fresh-frozen and paraffin-embedded. Basic anonymised data sets are supplied, including gender, age at time of operation and histological diagnosis. Additional data may be available upon request.
Sample Hosting
The Oxford Radcliffe Biobank provides a limited sample hosting service in secure, HTA-compliant facilities. Samples are stored in vapour phase liquid nitrogen or -80°C freezers, and paraffin-embedded samples in dedicated filing systems.
Emergency call out and contingency facilities are in place and each freezer / vessel is temperature monitored and regularly maintained. The sample storage facilities are secure, with controlled and monitored access.
Samples are tracked using an inventory management system which logs the location of samples, along with associated data, and provides a comprehensive audit trail. Audits are routinely carried out to check that ORB processes and procedures are working and being adhered to.
Applications for sample hosting should be made to ORB management at orbmanager@ndcls.ox.ac.uk