How can patients help?

The use of biospecimens for research ultimately depends on the willingness of patients to donate tissue while they are undergoing surgery or biopsy procedures.

Patients, their families and the public can help to contribute to research using biospecimens in the following ways:

Stay Informed

There is an increasing amount of interest and activity in the field of biospecimens for research. This website, and those of professional and policy organizations(http://www.isber.org/), provide information about trends, issues and events that affect biorepository operations. You may also ask your surgeon and/or local hospital, if they have information about biorepository operations in your region.

Consider Donating a Biospecimen

If you are scheduled to have a biopsy or surgery, you may be asked prior to the procedure if you would consider donating a biospecimen for research. You will receive a brochure describing how the process works, as well as a consent form for your review.

Such donation is entirely voluntary, and regardless of your decision to donate or not, there will be no impact on the surgical procedure itself.

A patient education booklet on providing tissue for research in clinical trials is available here: Providing Your Tissue for Research: What You Need To Know

Share Your Thoughts

This website provides updates and resources about biorepositories and the use of biospecimens for research. If you wish to comment, please contact biospecimens@mail.nih.gov.