The Biospecimen Processing Core provides services to MBRCC members and other research labs by acquiring and processing accurately timed, high quality samples (such as blood, urine, etc., but excluding tissue) from patients for translational research in cancer. Attention to sample stability and requirements for skilled processing of these biospecimens has recently become recognized as an important determinant of success for translational cancer research in the era of molecular oncology.

Functions of the Core include: assistance with protocol design of sample times; establishment of handling procedures; determination of sample stability; sample & data acquisition; serving as an interface between the clinicians and labs; and specimen stabilization/processing, storage/shipping. Depending on the complexity of the study, the Core may also facilitate informed patient consent.

This resource enables collection of hematologic malignancy samples and other biospecimens for both primary research studies and the Tumor Bank. The physical location of the Core facilitates sample handling as it adjoins both the MBRCC Drug Infusion Area/Outpatient Clinic and the centralized research laboratories.