Services

A full spectrum of sample accessioning, processing and storage services are available through the Biospecimens Accessioning and Processing Core. The core uses Research Laboratory Information Management System (RLIMS), a robust and integrated Mayo Clinic-developed system, to track and manage specimen data.

Infrastructure support

The core's information technology systems and other infrastructure are configured based on specific study needs. This aids in specimen collection, transportation, processing, shipping, storage and billing. A team is also in place to troubleshoot these aspects.

Accessioning

Using RLIMS, the core associates specimens to Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board-approved studies and projects and can retrieve study-specific processing instructions. Unique identification numbers are assigned to each individual container received or created, and bar-coded labels are adhered to each container. Patient demographics, sample attributes and storage locations are recorded in RLIMS and can be exported via reports or to databases.

Blood and bodily fluid processing

Blood and bodily fluids can be centrifuged and fractionated manually or by automation. Reagents can be added to the resulting fractions, which can then be stored at ambient temperature or frozen.

DNA purification

DNA can be purified from:

• Fresh or frozen whole blood
• White blood cells
• Frozen or paraffin-embedded tissue
• Cultured cells
• Buccal cells
• Saliva collected in an Oragene kit

Total and double-stranded DNA is quantified using a Trinean spectrophotometer, and the concentration and volume are tracked in RLIMS.

RNA purification

RNA can be purified from:

• Whole blood collected in a PAXgene Vacutainer
• Frozen or paraffin-embedded tissue
• Cultured cells

The RNA is quantified using a spectrophotometer, with the quality determined using an Agilent Bioanalyzer. The concentration, volume and RNA integrity number are tracked in RLIMS.

Storage

Samples may be stored at ambient temperature, minus 20 degrees Celsius or minus 80 degrees Celsius, with their locations tracked in RLIMS. The core's freezers are alarmed.

Shipping

After being prepared by International Air Transport Association (IATA)-trained staff, samples can be shipped worldwide at ambient, chilled or frozen temperatures using a variety of courier services.

Kit building

Kits for sample collection and processing can be prepared to include specific collection containers and processing vials, study-specific paperwork and instructions, and return shipping materials. These kits may be shipped directly to the end user or provided to the study team.