Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the Biospecimen Core Program (BCP)?
The BCP is a Core support program for investigators at the University of Kentucky and their partners in industry and at other institutions. BCP provides scientists, or helps them obtain and manage specimens for IRB-approved research projects. The BCP is supported by the Markey Cancer Center

 

What kinds of specimens can the BCP provide?
The BCP collects and distributes the following types of specimens:

• Remnant lung and head and neck tumor and normal tissue, with matching serum, plasma, and two types of buffy coats (viable and non-viable white blood cells)
  
• Serum, plasma and white cell buffy coats (non-viable white blood cells only) from healthy female volunteers seen in the Ovarian Screening program
• Any type of specimen for investigator-initiated collections approved by the IRB, the BCP Steering Committee, and the Markey Executive Committee
• The BCP may refer investigators to the University of Kentucky pathology core, where a number of paraffin embedded tissue types are available

How much do specimens cost?
Costs are as follows:

• Liquid samples are $30/up to 200 µl for academic users
  
• Solid/tissue samples are $30/~100 mg for academic users plus a $7.50 cutting fee
• Liquid samples are $68/up to 200 µl for industrial users
• Solid/tissue samples are $68/~100 mg for academic users plus a $7.50 cutting fee
• Preference is given to University of Kentucky users and their collaborators

What information comes with the specimen?
Staging, diagnosis, smoking history, and gender are included with most specimens when appropriate.

 

Is clinical history, or follow-up information available?
Such information exists, and methods are being developed to to make it available.

 

Does the BCP provide cells or cell cultures?
The BCP does not provide cell cultures. Both types of buffy coats are frozen.

 

Does the BCP provide tissue microarrays?
The BCP refers investigators desiring tissue microarrays to the University of Kentucky Pathology core

 

Does the BCP provide biospecimens to commercial companies?
The BCP will provide biospecimens to commercial companies in partnership with University of Kentucky researchers

 

How many samples will I get?
The BCP will provide investigators with as many samples as possible based on the scientific merit of the request and availability of the type of specimen requested

 

How large are the samples?
Liquid specimen aliquots are 200 µl and solid 100 mg

 

How long does it take the BCP to serve a request?
Although turn-around times may vary, the BCP strives to fill requests within two weeks of receipt.

 

How do I request specimens or support for a collection project?
You complete the application; provide a copy of the protocol with accompanying IRB-approval letter, and NIH biosketches for Principal Investigator(s). Click here to go to the correct page to download the BCP application and instructions.