Frequently Asked Questions

How are the GW Biorepository biospecimens collected?

The GW Biorepository collects biospecimens under Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines and with local IRB approvals. Biospecimens are collected from:

  • Consented HIV-positive and HIV negative donors

  • Remnant surgical and autopsy biospecimens (coded and anonymous samples from pathology archived, fixed and embedded materials

  • Other biorepositories as approved by biospecimen use and material transfer agreements

How can I donate tissue to the GW Biorepository?

If you are scheduled to have surgery at the George Washington University Hospital, we can work with you and your doctors to arrange tissue donation to the GW Biorepository. For more information, please contact Medea Tsulukidze at 202-994-0993.

Can I request specimens directly from the GW Biorepository?

No. We are part of the National AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource and all biospecimens are released using the ACSR LOI process. Please contact theĀ national ACSR for additional information.

We can however make a preliminary search for specimens we might hold here at the GW Biorepository to assist you in your search for biospecimens for a particular project.