Biobanking and Correlative Sciences (BCS)

The purpose of the Biobanking and Correlative Sciences (BCS) Core is to collect and store high quality, wellannotated specimens, to distribute these specimens and data for research use, and assist investigators with associated correlative studies. The BCS Core contributed to 132 peer reviewed publications during the current funding period, resulting in a five-fold increase from the previous submission. BCS Core staff members consent KCI patients to Biobank protocols, track patients undergoing surgery, biopsy, and/or blood draws to obtain discard specimens, process them appropriately, and store them by ISBER Best Practices recommendations. The biobank collects samples throughout the KCI Network.

The BCS Core also assists researchers in specimen and data distribution by acting as the honest broker to identify specimens and associated data from the biobank. Correlative assays are performed upon request, including cell line authentication, and an array of histological assays, including but not limited to: frozen and FFPE tissue sectioning, H&E staining tissue microarrays, tissue paraffin embedding, and scanning stained slides. The Core performs immunohistochemistry, including antibody optimization. BCS Core staff review all clinical study protocols undergoing consideration at KCI for tissue acquisition.

For clinical studies requiring fresh tissue involving a biopsy, excision, and/or surgical resection, a member of the BCS Core is present at these procedures and collects the fresh tissue, processes specimens according to protocol and ships to the analyzing lab. For all archival tissue required for clinical trials, BCS Core personnel processes and ships specimens according to protocol as well. The BCS Core is located within the clinic building of KCI, allowing for efficient access to patient procedures and clinics for consenting and tissue procurement purposes. Resources include ten -80⁰C freezers that are temperature monitored and have back up emergency power.

The Core’s tissue processor is certified annually and can process up to 200 specimens in a single run. All specimens are barcoded and stored in cryosafe containers and secured cabinets store formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) blocks and slides. Each biospecimen is logged into OnCore®, with its precise location, associated informed consent, pathology report, and amount of available tissue. Histology services are supported by two tissue embedders, two microtomes, a cryostat, a tissue microarray printer and other ancillary histology equipment.

In addition, the laboratory is fully equipped to perform all tissue and cell based correlative assays. All BCS Core personnel are CITI-trained and certified in bloodborne pathogens and hazardous materials handling and shipping. The BCS Core Scientific Director is a member of the International Society for Biologic and Environmental Repositories and has undergone specific biobank management and regulatory training. A major strength of the BCS Core staff is their varied training and ability to support translational research and procure high quality biospecimens.

Grant Number: 3P30CA022453-43S3
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Julie Boerner