How to Access CCPM Biobank Research Study Resources

To facilitate the broad and appropriate use of CCPM biobank research study resources, CCPM has created the Access to Biobank Committee (ABC). ABC approval is required to access biobank resources for all investigator-initiated research requests.  

The ABC is a multidisciplinary, dynamic group of University of Colorado faculty, staff and UCHealth clinicians with expertise in research, regulation and clinical practice. Core members include experts on:

• Electronic health record data
• Clinical laboratory processes and genetic biospecimens
• Participant recontact
• Regulatory compliance
• Data delivery and analysis processes
• Population genetics

Advisory members may include individuals with relevant subject expertise, and subject matter experts from across the University of Colorado are invited to the meetings, as needed, to supplement discussions and decision making for proposed studies. More information about the ABC operating model can be found here. 

The ABC partners closely with the University of Colorado’s enterprise data warehouse, Health Data Compass (HDC). HDC assists investigators across the University of Colorado and UCHealth networks to obtain access to patient medical record and genetic data for research purposes.

The ABC reviews investigator-initiated research access proposals based upon the following criteria:

• The research aligns with CCPM’s goal to promote predictive, personalized, preventative and participatory medicine
• The research complies with and respects the consent given by participants as defined in the CCPM Biobank Research Study Consent form
• The research complies with the ABC Core Review Criteria

Interested in joining the ABC? Explore CCPM membership. 

Objectives of the ABC

Investigator Journey

The process for accessing CCPM biobank research study resources is outlined below. Before submitting a request, please review the ABC Readiness Checklist and Core Review Criteria to ensure you are fully prepared. By confirming your readiness, you help facilitate efficient processing of your proposal and improves the likelihood of ABC approval.

Step 1: Prepare

This section outlines the helpful resources and materials to support your planning to submit your proposal to request CCPM biobank research study resources. It provides guidance on where to seek assistance, what to consider before submitting your request and how to ensure the process proceeds smoothly. Thorough preparation at this stage will save time later and facilitate a seamless transition through Steps 2 and 3 (Submission and Access).

Step 2: Submit

Complete and submit the ABC Proposal Request Form. If applicable, please ensure that your HDC questionnaire is submitted and you have obtained COMIRB approval.

After you submit the ABC Proposal Request Form, you will receive an email confirming your submission and indicating next steps.

Need to make a formal modification to a previously approved request? Complete the ABC Proposal Amendment Request Form.

Step 3: Access

Watch for email updates from our team. You might need to provide additional information and/or complete required agreements, which we will coordinate and provide. Prompt completion helps ensure timely delivery. Once finalized, all approved resources will be delivered, no coordination is needed on your end, even if they come from multiple groups (e.g., HDC).

Please note the considerations below before initiating requests. 

Affiliations: For researchers without a University of Colorado or UCHealth affiliate sponsor, contact [email protected]. We strive to connect investigators without sponsors to potential sponsors, such as new faculty or collaborators, whenever possible, while ensuring we do not overcommit our resources.

Agreements: Some requests might require Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) and Data Use Agreements (DUAs) to formalize the terms of data and biospecimen usage. 

IRB: Depending on the nature of your request, the ABC might require a letter of approval/study start up from the reporting IRB prior to the final approval from the ABC for the release of data, biospecimens or participant recontact.

Costs: Access to CCPM biobank research study resources may involve fees. It's recommended to  contact the CCPM biobank directly for detailed information on associated costs.

All data provided through ABC processes is intended solely for research purposes. It is not validated for clinical decision-making, diagnostic use or therapeutic guidance. Users must not interpret or apply this information in any clinical context.