Storage and filing of specimens
If not disbursed fresh, samples are stored in -80° mechanical freezers or liquid nitrogen vapor phase storage. All samples are subject to our robust quality assurance program, adhering to ISBER Best Practices.
The PBC has implemented a unique inventory system called the Biospecimen Inventory and Operations System (BIOS). This web-based system was activated in 2010 and is currently in use throughout the 4 PBC sites (Presbyterian, Shadyside, Magee and Children's) and allows for integration of demographic and medical records information with the tissue resources.
Data Annotation
The PBC has the ability to provide annotated clinical data for procured specimens by way of the following avenues:
- A relationship with the UPMC CancerCenter Registry to obtain data on the continuance of care and detailed patient specific annotation.
- Direct access to CoPath to provide de-identified pathology reports.
Getting Started
Tissue banking services are financially supported by funded grants or fee-for-service cost recovery. Please contact Christina Kline (412-864-6658, puetc@upmc.edu) or Nicole Pistorius (412-623-5890, pistoriusnd@upmc.edu) to discuss how to obtain these services or for assistance in developing a budget.