Thank you for being a part of the biobank. When you donate a sample, it becomes a part of a carefully planned and protected process. This process helps power research to improve health for future generations.

A Sample's Journey

Step 1: Sample Collection

Biobank samples are collected when you have blood taken for a routine test at UCHealth (called a blood draw). This does not cost you anything. After your sample is collected, it begins its journey. 

Contact us to check your sample collection status.

Step 2: Safe and Secure Transport to the Biobank Lab

After your blood is collected, it travels to the biobank lab using the UCHealth courier system. This system carefully tracks each sample to ensure it arrives safely and stays protected. When the samples reach the lab, they are logged by the biobank and prepared for next steps.

Our biobank lab is fully accredited and meets and exceeds rigorous national industry standards. These standards help ensure all samples are handled with high quality, safety and accuracy. 

Step 3: DNA Extraction (Getting Your DNA from the Blood Sample)

In the biobank lab, we follow standard steps and use many quality checks to carefully separate DNA from each sample. All samples are stored safely in our secure, locked lab at CU Anschutz.

Step 4: Analysis and Research

Your DNA might be analyzed to support research studies. In some cases, we might be able to share results with you.

When a sample is used for research, it is labeled with a unique code instead of your name. Research studies using biobank resources must be reviewed by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). This is an independent group that helps protect participant rights and well-being.

Information used for research is kept safe using secure computer systems and locked files. All research use must follow the biobank’s mission and standards for participant protections. 

The biobank has a dedicated team that reviews and approves researchers before they can use biobank samples and data.  

Every biobank sample is handled with care today to help advance health research for tomorrow.