Participating in Medical Research

A biobank is a secure storage facility that contains samples such as tissue and blood from many different people. These samples are stored until they are needed for research.

University of Minnesota researchers can request biospecimens for health-related research. Each request is reviewed prior to samples being released.

The only people who have access to the samples are trained biobank personnel. They work to ensure this process is compliant with regulations and policies to protect patients and their privacy.

You will not be identified in any reports or publications that result from research using your biospecimens.

There is no limit on how long samples can be stored and used. If the biobank closes, your samples may be destroyed or sent to another biobank.

No -- it’s just like donating blood at a blood drive. You don’t get to choose who receives your donated blood from a blood bank. Biobank participants can’t choose how their samples will be used in research.

We make it easy to complete the biospecimen consent form and allow researchers to use your leftover specimens. It’s a simple process that takes about 15 minutes. Just visit our website at URL or use your phone and scan the QR code at the bottom of this page.

If you have any questions or you'd prefer to go over the consent form with someone in person, please contact our team at 612-626-5038.

Biospecimens will not be collected for the biobank unless you choose to donate. If you’re not interested, call 612-626-5038 and leave a message with your full name, the date of your procedure, and let us know that you are not interested in donating to the biobank.