National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Serum, Plasma, and Urine Specimens

Serum, Plasma, and Urine Specimen Repository

Serum, plasma, and urine specimens are obtained from NHANES study participants aged six years and older who have given consent for their samples to be used in future research studies. Serum samples are currently available from NHANES III (1988-1994); and serum, urine, and a limited number of plasma samples are available from continuous NHANES (1999-present). Smaller quantities of serum samples from participants aged 3-5 years are available and serum samples for participants aged 1-2 years are available only from NHANES 1999-2010. In total, we have over 1 million combined serum, plasma, and urine specimens available. Please see the tables below for more information:

Research Proposal Guidelines

Results of research are not reported back to the participant. Therefore, all proposals seeking the use of NHANES serum, plasma, or urine for research must not produce laboratory results that are clinically significant to the NHANES participant. Clinical significance is defined as:
- The findings are valid and performed by a CLIA-certified laboratory,
- The findings may have significant implications for the subjects’ health concerns, and
- A course of action is readily available to ameliorate or treat the concerns.
All proposals will be evaluated by the NHANES Project Officer and a technical panel for scientific merit and lack of clinical significance to the NHANES participant. The proposal is then reviewed by the NCHS Human Subjects Contact, Confidentiality Officer, and Ethics Review Board (ERB) for any potential human subjects or confidentiality concerns.

Please see the Federal Register pdf icon[PDF-84 KB] to submit a proposal and for evaluation criteria.

Please use the proposal template pdf icon[PDF – 129 KB] to write your proposal.

Submit all proposals via email to NHANES Biospecimen Program

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the evaluation process?

The entire review process can range from 2-4 months.

What happens after my proposal is approved?

The NHANES Project Officer will contact you to arrange the transfer of samples after a Inter-Agency Agreement or a Materials Transfer Agreement-Memorandum of Understanding (MTA-MOU) has been signed. An interagency agreement will be developed to transfer funds for federal agencies, or an invoice will be sent for the cost of the samples for non-federal institutions.

What kind of studies can I do with the NHANES biospecimens?

NHANES is a nationally representative survey and biospecimens are best utilized to determine the prevalence of laboratory analytes of public health concern using the survey sample weights. Case-control studies are discouraged.

How much does it cost to use stored biospecimens?

The current cost is $13.00 per vial.

Is there a time limit on how long I can use the serum, plasma, and urine specimens?

You must submit a progress report annually and if work continues beyond five years a new protocol may need to be submitted.