Bristol Biobank

What we do

The Bristol Biobank stores samples like blood, saliva, and nasal swabs. Researchers at the University of Bristol, local hospitals and beyond can apply to use these samples for medical research. Some samples are collected specially for the Biobank, while others are left over from finished research studies. Samples can be used to support research related to immunity, infection and vaccines.

Unlike studies and clinical trials, the Biobank does not collect samples for a specific project. Instead, donated samples could be useful for a range of projects, and then these samples are allocated to a relevant project that the Biobank Management Committee has approved.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Biobank helped collect samples quickly to support urgent research priorities. These were used to set up tests for the virus and study how the body responds. Older samples, collected pre-pandemic and already stored in the Biobank, significantly helped by providing guaranteed clean controls.

Researchers can apply to use samples by submitting an application that explains their research project.

What samples do we store?

Samples that help with research on infections, immunity, and related health problems. Examples include:

Blood and blood products (serum, blood cells).
Biopsies – bone and tissue.
Saliva.
Swabs from the nose, throat, or rectum.
Tonsils and adenoids (surgery leftovers).
Urine.

We’re happy to collect additional sample types if researchers can demonstrate how they would support research into infection and immunity.

Who can donate samples?

NHS patients.
Healthy volunteers.
Clinical trials & other finished research projects.
Adults and children.

Who gives samples?

Most of our donors are invited because they have specific conditions or circumstances relevant to Biobank research, such as an infectious disease or a problem with their immune system. This includes (but is not limited to) patients in clinics, individuals undergoing surgery, or their family members who can serve as healthy controls.

Before any samples are taken, the potential donor is provided with written information about the Biobank and how their sample and associated information will be used, to ensure that they understand what is being asked of them.

Donors are asked to complete a consent form to document their agreement and specify what samples they are happy to donate.

How are samples asked?

For child donors, a parent or guardian will be asked to provide written informed consent, but where appropriate, children may be asked to complete an assent form to involve them in the decision-making process and document that they agree.

Donors can change their minds about a donation and request that any of their samples that have not yet been used be destroyed.

Alongside any samples, the Biobank stores some limited data about the donor (age, sex) and any relevant health conditions.

This information is held securely by the University of Bristol. Personal information is pseudonymised using a donor ID so that researchers using the samples cannot identify the donor from the information provided.