Research Tissue Bank
Sample Donation Donor Information SheetÂ
Who is BioGrad?
BioGrad Limited is a commercial healthcare and life science organisation that includes brands such as BioGrad Diagnostics, BioGrad Prenatal, and BioGrad Biobank. Our mission is to provide innovative and affordable medical and diagnostic solutions while supporting the discovery of scientific knowledge through research. At BioGrad, we are particularly passionate about women’s health, alternative therapies, and accessible healthcare.
BioGrad’s Research Tissue Bank (RTB) is a privately funded human sample repository located
in Liverpool, UK. We facilitate scientific research by offering chargeable access to a variety
of high-quality samples. Our goal is to connect donors, clinics, and the scientific community
to drive progress in various scientific and medical fields.
The purpose of this leaflet is to invite you to consider donating your tissue to BioGrad’s RTB.
Take your time to review this information, discuss it with others if you wish, and don’t
hesitate to reach out to our medical professionals with any questions. There is no rush to
make a decision. If you need this information in a different format, please contact our team
at 0345 565 1725.
Who can donate?
Eligibility criteria will differ for each sample type and will be evaluated by our clinical staff using a medical questionnaire. In some cases, we may need to consult with your healthcare team or review medical records, but this will be done with your consent. You will be informed of your eligibility before the sample collection.
For details on eligibility criteria for each sample type,
please contact our clinical team on 0345 565 1725.
What types of samples can I donate and how are samples collected?
For how long and where will my samples be stored?
Samples can be used by scientists right after they are collected, but they can also be stored
for many years at ultra-low temperatures before use. We may test your sample(s), separate
them into components, or isolate specific cells before storage.
If your samples are retained, they will be securely stored at BioGrad which is licenced by the Human Tissue Authority (licence number 22707) or another licensed biobanking institution. If we use distributors outside the UK, your sample(s) may be temporarily stored at their facilities before being sent to the requesting research organisation. Any associated data and clinical information will be stored securely in electronic systems.
If your samples are retained, they will be securely stored at BioGrad which is licenced by the Human Tissue Authority (licence number 22707) or another licensed biobanking institution. If we use distributors outside the UK, your sample(s) may be temporarily stored at their facilities before being sent to the requesting research organisation. Any associated data and clinical information will be stored securely in electronic systems.
Will I be given feedback of any clinically significant findings?
Frequently Asked Questions: Research Tissue Bank
Human samples and derived products are essential for scientific and medical research. At
BioGrad, we store biological samples and associated data collected with informed consent
for various purposes. By donating your sample(s) to BioGrad’s RTB, you support biomedical
research, commercial and educational efforts. Your sample(s) may be used in research
projects, training, quality control, or the development of test kits and devices. However, they
will not be used for human treatment or prohibited purposes, such as reproductive cloning.
BioGrad’s RTB has NHS ethical approval (REC number 24/WA/0102), which allows us to share
your sample(s) and associated data with UK research projects that align with our ethically
approved research programs on cellular therapies, women’s health and associated health
conditions.
Cellular therapies are innovative treatments that use our own body’s resources to manage or prevent diseases. By extending our ethical approval to UK researchers, we aim to strengthen research in this biomedical area and support studies on serious conditions like arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, spinal injuries, and infectious diseases.
Women’s health covers issues unique to women, as well as how gender differences affect general health conditions. Despite its importance, research in women’s health often lacks support. By providing necessary biological samples and associated data to researchers working in this field we aim to advance scientific knowledge and improve health outcomes for women.
Your comfort and autonomy are our top priorities, and we will never use your sample in a way that makes you uncomfortable. All use of human samples, whether in the UK or abroad, will adhere to your consent, local regulations, and ethical standards. Scientists must obtain the necessary licenses and approvals to ensure that samples are handled properly and used for valuable purposes. If you have any questions or concerns about how your donated sample(s) will be used, please reach out to our team at 0345 565 1725.
Cellular therapies are innovative treatments that use our own body’s resources to manage or prevent diseases. By extending our ethical approval to UK researchers, we aim to strengthen research in this biomedical area and support studies on serious conditions like arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, spinal injuries, and infectious diseases.
Women’s health covers issues unique to women, as well as how gender differences affect general health conditions. Despite its importance, research in women’s health often lacks support. By providing necessary biological samples and associated data to researchers working in this field we aim to advance scientific knowledge and improve health outcomes for women.
Your comfort and autonomy are our top priorities, and we will never use your sample in a way that makes you uncomfortable. All use of human samples, whether in the UK or abroad, will adhere to your consent, local regulations, and ethical standards. Scientists must obtain the necessary licenses and approvals to ensure that samples are handled properly and used for valuable purposes. If you have any questions or concerns about how your donated sample(s) will be used, please reach out to our team at 0345 565 1725.
Using human samples to test commercial products, such as medications and cosmetics, is a
key step in reducing animal testing. By consenting to donate your sample(s), you permit the
use of your sample and associated data for consumer product testing.
Yes, our understanding of genes and their impact on health is growing. This knowledge
helps identify disease causes and guide treatment options, like genetically engineering cells
to target specific cancers. Additionally, genetic testing of samples is often used as a quality
control method in labs to identify samples using a genetic fingerprint.
While we work to reduce animal use in research, we acknowledge that many medical
advances rely on carefully regulated studies involving animals. You will have the option to
choose whether your samples should be used in this type of research.
No, we may not be able to tell you which projects used your sample(s) or what was
achieved. Many different organisations request access for various biomedical research,
commercial, and educational purposes. However, because we value your interest and
contribution, we will try to keep donors informed about our scientific activities through
various media channels.
Yes, your donation will be kept confidential. Each sample will have a unique identification
number to protect your identity during the biobanking process, including transport,
processing, storage, and distribution. BioGrad will not share any identifying information with
other organisations. However, we may share sample-related data, like demographics and
health information, with those accessing your sample(s). In some cases, consent information
may be shared with BioGrad’s internal ethics committee.