Difficult biospecimen sourcing: Challenge? Accepted!
Sourcing human biospecimens for life science research is never a one-size-fits-all process. Every project comes with unique requirements - specific donor profiles, sample types, and strict collection timelines. At Cambridge Bioscience, we understand the critical role high-quality biospecimens play in driving scientific discovery, which is why we go above and beyond to meet even the most complex sourcing challenges.
In this blog, we’ll walk through real-world case studies that showcase our ability to deliver biospecimens with the exact specifications our clients need (donor, sample and time-wise), ensuring their research stays on track.
Rare HLA types with staggered deliveries
• 22x donors total (inc. 15x new donors)
• Leukopaks & matching serum, 7x with specified HLA type
• 11 staggered deliveries
Results: We were able to provide leukopaks and matching serum from 22 donors, including 15 new donors and 7 with the specified HLA type. These were provided in staggered deliveries as requested across several weeks with each being delivered exactly when required.
Age range within minor ethnicity groups samples after meals
• 50x donors
• Age range 40-69
• Mix of minor ethnicity groups
• Whole blood & saliva samples
Results: Initially 6 weeks was anticipated to complete the order due to the expected difficulty in recruiting certain ethnicities within a specific age group, but Research Donors was able to complete the order within just 3 weeks with the customer receiving all samples in one delivery so they could proceed with their validation study.
Custom protocol with specific tubes & storage conditions
• 4x donors (2x male, 2x female)
• Plasma & serum
• Custom sample processing protocol
Results: We were able to adhere to a strict collection and processing protocol, which included blood to be collected in the following tubes for plasma collection: K2EDTA, K3EDTA, Streck CFD, Lithium heparin, PAXgene Blood ccfDNA Tubes (custom, specifically purchased for customer), and BD P100 (custom, specifically purchased for customer). For each tube type, blood was processed at different time points and storing the plasma at a different temperature before freezing. For serum isolation, as requested we were able to collect in the following tubes: Silica-coated serum tubes (standard, in-house), SST II Advance Tubes (custom, in-house). For both tube types, serum was isolated by letting blood clot for different times with storage at different temperatures before freezing.
O+ donors within specific haematocrit range
• Custom sample processing protocol
Results: As requested, we were able to isolate red blood cells from whole blood in CPDA tubes, pooled from mixed gender donors and packaged with a 50:50 haematocrit ratio in saline following a custom dilution protocol. We were able to find the O+ donors required for this collection, with a haematocrit range meeting the values available in literature (41%-50% for men, 36%-44% for women).
20 different donor whole blood bags within 3 days
• 20x donors
• 400 ml CPD whole blood bags
• Delivered within 3 days of collection
Results: We were able to collect, process and deliver 20 x 400ml CPD whole blood bags within 3 days of collection as requested as to not delay a study.
Why Cambridge Bioscience are the right choice for sourcing biospecimens
These case studies demonstrate our ability to meet highly specific biospecimen sourcing requirements, from recruiting the right donors to adhering to custom collection, processing, and delivery protocols. Whether sourcing rare HLA-type donors, handling complex blood processing requirements, or coordinating time-sensitive deliveries, our expertise and extensive donor network enable us to provide high-quality, customised solutions for researchers. By consistently delivering the right samples at the right time, we help accelerate scientific discoveries and ensure our clients can confidently move forward with their research.