Research
Cancer Center Shared Resources
Biorepository Shared Resource (BRSR)
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Access to fresh specimens is vital for cancer research. The BRSR provides cancer investigators access to well-characterized, high-quality specimens with annotated data.
Accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), our service promotes ethical research. We use Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved protocols to collect patient consent. We can also distribute de-identified specimens that do not require patient consent.
The BRSR collects blood and plasma samples from cancer patients, both preoperatively and postoperatively. Researchers can request fresh tissue collection from consenting patients or frozen specimens from our inventory.
Searchable Cancer-Related Specimen Database
Investigators can access the BRSR’s state-of-the-art OpenSpecimen Data Catalog via the UC Davis Health CITRIX system. The catalog houses our full biorepository inventory. Cancer researchers can search for samples and filter results by various demographics, diagnoses and outcomes.
Services
Grant writing support is available from all Shared Resources, including support letters, recommendation, statistical analysis, etc. The biorepository’s state-of-the-art specimen capabilities and service offerings include:
Tissue and Specimen Collection
The BRSR provides collection, processing and storage of de- identified and coded tissue and biological fluids (e.g., blood, plasma, serum, CSF, urine, etc). For solid tissue, we offer collection of common solid cancer types including:
- Brain
- Breast
- Head/neck
- Lung
- Prostate
- Sarcomas and other tumors
- Thyroid
Histology
The BRSR leverages the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine infrastructure to provide histology services including:
- Embedding
- H&E stains and unstained sections
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
- Tissue microarray (TMA) construction
- Special stains
Access to Specimens and Pathology Testing
The BRSR has access to the >5 million blood samples processed by the UC Davis Health (UCDH) Clinical Laboratories. Researchers also have access to over 200,000 pathology-archived paraffin blocks for research purposes, as well as remnant clinical specimens and clinical pathology testing services. We also provide pathologic consultation for investigators using human specimens for scientific correlation, and partner with the UCDH Clinical Laboratories and UC Davis Center for Diagnostic Innovation for testing services.
Key Instrumentation
We provide cancer researchers with access to the most advanced specimen and histology instruments, including:
- Aperio scanner
- Biological safety cabinets (BSC) Brady® IP600 barcode printer
- OpenSpecimen customizable biospecimen management software
- Quick-Ray Tissue Microarray System
We offer two refrigerators and the following freezers, monitored 24/7 by health system MediSys System:
- -80°C freezers
- -150°C Panasonic cryogenic chest freezer (Model MDF-C2156VANC-PA) with liquid N2 backup
- N2 MVE XCL 810HE vapor-based freezer
Rates
For more details about the rate, please contact:
Cole Torvick | Supervisor: Office: (916) 734-3026, Cell: (530) 338-9084, crtorvick@ucdavis.edu
Subsidized Rates for Cancer Center Members
Members of the cancer center receive priority access and subsidized rates for Shared Resources services. Not yet a member? Learn about the benefits and privileges of cancer center membership.
Request BRSR Services
We look forward to providing you with the highest quality tissue specimens for your research. Fill out a request to use our services.
NOTE: A PPMS account is required. Set up a PPMS account. View our quick start guide for creating an account or set up an account.
Contact the BRSR
To learn more about BRSR services and capabilities, contact us or our team members.
Nam K. Tran, Ph.D.
Director
Phone: 916-734-3026
Email: nktran@ucdavis.edu
Mega Lahori, M.B.B.S.
Associate Director
Phone: 916-734-2561
Fax: 916-734-0299
Email: rmclarke@ucdavis.edu
Cole Torvick
Supervisor
Office: (916) 734-3026
Cell: (530) 338-9084
Email: rtorvick@ucdavis.edu
Locations
Biorepository (Biobank) Office and Lab
UC Davis Medical Center
Pavilion (SESP), 2nd Floor
Room 2P524
Sacramento, CA 95817
Histology Lab
Pathology Building
4400 V Street
Sacramento, CA 95817
Biohazard Policies
Please read our policies on biohazard and infection control:
- Blood borne pathogens: Anyone who obtains specimens from the BRSR should have adequate training in the use of blood borne pathogens. Learn more about blood-borne pathogens from UC Davis Safety Services.
- Indemnification: Investigators must agree to indemnify and hold harmless UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and UC Davis from any claims, costs, damages or expenses resulting from any injury (including death), damage or loss that may arise from the use of specimens provided by the Biorepository.
- Risks and responsibilities: Each investigator assumes all risks and responsibilities for the receipt, handling, storage and use of specimens. Investigators receiving specimens also assume full responsibility for informing and training personnel of the dangers and procedures for safely handling human specimens.
- Specimen handling: The BRSR attempts to avoid supplying contaminated specimens. Handle all specimens as if potentially infectious. The BRSR accepts no responsibility for any injury (including death), damage or loss that may arise either directly or indirectly from their use.
