Usage Policy

In order to access tissue processing services, please complete the application form. Be sure that all sections are completed prior to submission to the LTB supervisor. If you require assistance in completing the application form please contact the supervisor at 614-292-5888. In all cases, requests for materials or services must be accompanied by documentation of the relevant IRB approval. For investigators interested in accessing samples only, i.e. no clinical/correlative data, an exemption from the OSU IRB may be obtained once the appropriate forms are filed with the Office of Responsible Research Practices. Information and IRB submission forms may be found at: http://orrp.osu.edu/irb/

Sample procurement protocols are standardized but may be customized to suit a particular investigators needs. To obtain a copy of any LTB standard operating protocol (SOP), please contact the LTB Supervisor. The LTB does not have the capability to maintain cell cultures, although primary or acute cell dispersions from tissue can be prepared in the lab. Storage of materials collected prospectively (cryopreserved viable cells, serum, plasma, cell lysates or other subsamples) are typically stored in the laboratory for the duration of the clinical trial. Once the sample collection for a trial is completed, it is expected that materials will be transferred to the study PI lab or Project Sponsor for analysis. However, samples may be stored in the LTB longer if needed for nominal storage charge.

In order to access specimens, interested investigators should contact the LTB Supervisor to obtain application requirements and subsequently submit their research proposal for review.

For distribution of samples, LTB personnel retrieve, process, pack and send or deliver the samples to the approved investigator. All samples are provided to the investigator labeled with only the tissue bank generated unique identifier. No other patient information is provided to the investigator unless specified in the investigators IRB approved protocol. The LTB Director and Lab Supervisor are responsible for monitoring the progress of each study. The LTB Supervisor provides follow up technical assistance as needed.