Biorepository Request Portal
The CHAMPS Network Biorepository is comprised of tissue and non-tissue specimens collected at active CHAMPS sites. Specimens are collected using Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS) procedures and are submitted for diagnostic testing to help determine causes of death for children under age five. Aliquots of the samples collected are carefully preserved and made available for additional investigations, exploring new diagnostic methods and approaches to prevention and treatment that will save lives.
Central storage
Atlanta, GA · College of American Pathologists (CAP)-accredited facility
Specimens are stored at collections sites and a College of American Pathologists (CAP) -accredited central storage facility where they are maintained under standardized conditions at low temperatures for long term preservation of quality. Routinely, specimens for approved collaborations will be shipped from the central facility.
Types of specimens available
02
Types of specimens available
Frozen Specimens
Specimens intended for the biorepository obtained during the MITS procedure are preserved frozen. Specimens obtained by MITS have limited anatomical representation (see below) and a limited number of specimens is available for each case.
Available specimen types include:
- Tissue
- Non-Tissue
- Culture isolates
- upon request
Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) tissue
Available FFPE tissue types include:
| Digital whole slide images (WSI) |
| Unstained slides |
| FFPE blocks (limited availability, requires justification) |
Specimen-associated data
Specimens are routinely provided as de-identified, coded specimens (with unique identifiers), to protect the privacy of specimen donors. Refer to the Request for Specimens: Specimen Associated Data.
| Level | Type of Data | Access method | Required Agreements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Summarized Data set | Public | End user agreement * |
| Level 2 | Case-level De-Identified Data set | Registration via website portal | End user agreement * |
| Level 3 | Case level-Limited data set | Application and Review and Approval | Data Use Agreement |
| Level 4 | Identified Data | Application and Review Approval Approval by accredited IRB (of recipient) | Defines by application request, IRB approved protocol and terms of data use agreement |
Frequently asked questions
01. What information is needed to Request Specimens
Please fill out the Request Form below completely, including all the requested information. Additional study information can be attached in the Proposed study section of the form.
- Please attach a brief CV for the principal investigator for the study.
- Please explain and indicate which specimen types you are interested in and the number of each.
- Briefly describe your planned research: include your research purpose, overall approach/methodology, public health impact, and relevance to CHAMPS.
02. How are requests Reviewed and Approved
The request will be reviewed by the coordinator and CHAMPS Program Office staff to determine if the proposed used of specimens is consistent with CHAMPS objectives and constitutes ethical use of the specimens, as defined by CHAMPS access and use policy.
If the specimens are available and the proposal is accepted, the completed request form and attachments are reviewed by Specimen Access Working Group (SAWG), comprised of representatives from contributing CHAMPS sites. The SAWG functions as a use committee for specimen requests.
The SAWG decision will be communicated to the requestor by the coordinator. In some cases, the SAWG may request additional information.
03. How can I track the status of my application?
You will receive an email to acknowledge the application was received and for any requests for additional information. You can contact us to track status @
04. What documentation and approvals are needed to transfer specimens and data?
When the request is approved, an executed MTA or MTDA will be provided and if needed (depending on type of data requested) documentation of approval by the requestor’s institutional IRB will be requested. Specimens will be provided with de-identified information (no personally identifiable information, unless specifically requested). For information about access to CHAMPS data, see Four Levels of Data Access.
05. How are specimens shipped: are there fees for services?
When all documentation (executed MTA) is completed, arrangements for specimen processing and shipping will be initiated. CHAMPS will make arrangements but the requestors will be responsible for specimen processing and shipping costs.
06. How should CHAMPS be acknowledged?
As stipulated in the MTA, acknowledgement of the CHAMPS Biorepository as the source of specimens should be included in publications.
07. Where can I find CHAMPS publications?
For more information about CHAMPS see: Publications – CHAMPS Health