About the LCBR

The LCBR collaborates on a wide variety of clinical studies, clinical trials, and epidemiology studies on local, national, and international scales. Our research portfolio includes molecular and genetic Epidemiology family-based genetic research, clinical trials and basic studies using murine models of disease.

Examples include epidemiological studies such as the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's (NHLBI) Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) and Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS). The LCBR is the central analysis lab on these studies as well as the main sample repository. 

Volume of Samples

Body

The LCBR currently houses a family of individual repositories of approximately 4 million samples, each with specifically labeled and databased sample sets.

Number of Participants

Body

The samples are from over 70,000 research participants.

Storage Means

Body

Our samples are stored in more than 160, -80 degrees Celsius or -145 degrees Celsius freezers. Storage and location of repository samples are maintained and tracked in computer databases.

Sample Storage Process

Body
  • Storage and location of repository samples are maintained and tracked in computer databases.
  • All new studies use barcode technology to enhance sample tracking capabilities.
  • Inventory is maintained through the use of custom-designed SQL databases. Database fields for each sample will include key information such as participant identifier, visit number, aliquot number, sample type, sample volume, and repository location.
    • Specimen repository information will be stored in relational SQL databases residing on secured and maintained servers (currently using SQL 2012). Data input is primarily through C# front-end applications requiring MS Windows password security.
  • Operation and maintenance of the repository is facilitated by our familiarity with, and in some cases participation in preparing documents and protocols such as: NHLBI Biological Samples: Recommendations for Standardized Storage Protocols; NCI Best Practices for Biospecimen Resources; the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) Best Practices for Repositories: Collection, Storage, Retrieval, and Distribution of Biological Materials for Research; World Health Organization Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) guidelines; and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shipping and packing regulations.
Aerial view of a town with trees, the sky and mountain range in the distance.

Where can you find us?

The Laboratory for Clinical Biochemistry Research (LCBR) has two main locations. The laboratory itself is located in the Colchester Research Facility approximately three miles from the main University of Vermont (UVM) campus.

Our Facilities