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:
- Surplus Specimen Table pdf icon[PDF – 73 KB]
- Pristine Specimen Table pdf icon[PDF – 77 KB]
- Pristine and Surplus Specimen NHANES III Table pdf icon[PDF – 74 KB]
- Surplus Specimen Ages 1-2 years Table pdf icon[PDF – 76 KB]
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.
Data Documentation Files using Serum, Plasma, and Urine Specimens
IgG Antibody to Hepatitis E Virus and anti-HEV Western Blot
Released: September, 2016
Food Specific IgE(s) Sera
Released: May, 2015
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Released: August, 2012
IgG and IgM Antibody to Hepatitis E Virus
Released: May, 2013
Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance
Released: January, 2015
Partial Hepatitis C Virus RNA Sequences Isolated from Individuals
Released: August, 2012
ß-trace Protein ß2 Microglobulin
Released: April, 2012
Cystatin C, ß-trace Protein ß2 Microglobulin
Released: April, 2012
Racial/Ethnic Variation in Sex Steroid Hormone Concentrations Across Age in US Menpdf icon
Released: October, 2006
Inhibin B, Leuteinizing Hormone and Testosteronepdf icon
Released: December, 2009
Antibody to MUMPspdf icon
Released: June, 2009
Dialkylphosphatespdf icon
Released: May, 2009
Antibody to Hepatitis E Virus IgGpdf icon
Released: August, 2008
Antibody to Periodontal Pathogenspdf icon
Released: August, 2008
Cystatin Cpdf icon
Released: May, 2007
Antibody to Human Herpes Virus 8pdf icon
Released: March, 2007
Antibody to Toxocara Larva Migranspdf icon
Released: January, 2007
Insulin Like Growth Factor (IGF-I and IGF Binding Protein-3pdf icon
Released: October, 2006
Racial/Ethnic Variation in Sex Steroid Hormone Concentrations Across Age in US Menpdf icon
Released: October, 2006
Antibody to GAD65pdf icon
Released: September, 2006
Optical Density to Cytomegaloviruspdf icon
Released: May, 2006
Antibody to Cytomegalovirus IgG and IgM
Released: January, 2006
Pertussis Serapdf icon
Released: July, 2005
Norovirus Antibody
Released: July, 2017
Cytomegalovirus genotypes
Released: June, 2017
Cytomegalovirus shedding
Released: January, 2016
Urinary cytomegalovirus shedding
Released: January, 2016
Telomere Mean and Standard Deviation
Released: February, 2015
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) & Inhibin-B
Released: January, 2015
Sex Steroid Hormone – Men
Released: March, 2013
Perfluoroaokyl Chemicals – Serum
Released: September, 2012
Aflatoxin B1-lysine – Serum
Released: August, 2012
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Released: August, 2012
Autoantibodies – Immunofluorescence & Immunoprecipitation Analyses
Released: February, 2012
Folic Acid – Unmetabolized
Released: July, 2010
Mumps Antibody – Serum
Released: June, 2009
Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody
Released: March, 2009
Transferrin Receptor – Pregnant Women
Released: August, 2008
Cystatin C
Released: June, 2008
Cytomegalovirus IgG Antibodies – Serum
Released: March, 2008
Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1
Released: October, 2006
Urinary cytomegalovirus shedding
Released: January, 2016
Telomere Mean and Standard Deviation
Released: February, 2015
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) & Inhibin-B
Released: January, 2015
Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) – Pooled Samples
Released: July, 2013
Pesticides-Organochlorine Metabolites
Released: July, 2013
Non-dioxin-like Polychlorinated Biphenyls – Pooled Samples Sera
Released: July, 2013
Sex Steroid Hormone – Men
Released: March, 2013
Perchlorate, Nitrate & Thiocyanate – Urine
Released: February, 2013
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Released: August, 2012
Autoantibodies – Immunofluorescence & Immunoprecipitation Analyses
Released: February, 2012
Thyroid Profile
Released: June, 2011
Mumps Antibody – Serum
Released: June, 2009
Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody
Released: March, 2009
Cystatin C
Released: June, 2008
Transferrin Receptor – Pregnant Women
Released: July, 2008
Cytomegalovirus IgG Antibodies – Serum
Released: March, 2008
Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1
Released: October, 2006
Standard Biochemistry Profile
Released: September, 2006
Norovirus Antibody
Released: July, 2017
Cytomegalovirus genotypes
Released: June, 2017
Urinary cytomegalovirus shedding
Released: January, 2016
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) & Inhibin-B
Released: January, 2015
Sex Steroid Hormone – Men
Released: March, 2013
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Released: August, 2012
Hepatitis C RNA (HCV-RNA) & HCV Genotype
Released: July, 2012
Epstein- Barr Virus (VCA-IgG)
Released: June, 2012
Epstein-Barr Virus (VCA IgG) – Serum
Released: June, 2012
Autoantibodies – Immunofluorescence & Immunoprecipitation Analyses
Released: February, 2012
Fatty Acids – Plasma
Released: August, 2011
Melamine – Urine
Released: April, 2010
Mumps Antibody – Serum
Released: June, 2009
Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody
Released: March, 2009
Pesticides – Organochlorine Metabolites – Serum
Released: April, 2008
Cytomegalovirus IgG Antibodies – Serum
Released: March, 2008
Coxiella Burnetii (Q Fever) Antibodies – Serum
Released: February, 2008
Volatile Organic Compounds & Metabolites
Released: September, 2017
Salmonella & Campylobacter Antibodies
Released: January, 2015
Epstein-Barr Virus (VCA IgG) – Serum
Released: June, 2012
Hepatitis C Antibody Reflex Testing – Serum
Released: February, 2015
Epstein-Barr Virus (VCA IgG) – Serum
Released: June, 2012
Urine specific gravity measurement
Released: April, 2011
Toxoplasma gondii antibody
Released: January, 2017
Hepatitis C Antibody Reflex Testing – Serum
Released: February, 2015
Poliovirus Serotypes 1, 2, & 3 Antibodies – Serum
Released: August, 2014
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) viral Load Oral Rinse – Oral High Risk SPV Infections
Released: December, 2013
Epstein-Barr Virus (VCA IgG) – Serum
Released: June, 2012
Antibody to Toxocara spp
Released: January, 2017
Toxoplasma Gondii Antibody – Serum
Released: January, 2016
Hepatitis C Antibody Reflex Testing – Serum
Released: February, 2015
Hepatitis C: Confirmed Antibody (INNO-LIA)
Released: January, 2018
Perfluroalkyl and Polyfluroalkyl Substances in U.S. Children 3-11 years
Released: August, 2017
Flame Retardant Metabolites
Released: July, 2017
Toxoplasma gondii antibody
Released: June, 2017
Antibody to Toxocara spp.
Released: January, 2017
Phthalates and Plasticizers Metabolizers (Urine)
Released: December, 2016
Perfluoroaokyl Chemicals – Serum
Released: July, 2016
Publications Using Serum, Plasma, and Urine Specimens
A list of publications using data resulting from collected Sera, Plasma, and Urine specimens.