Central Biorepository

The Central Biorepository (CBR) facilitates discovery and improves healthcare outcomes by providing high-quality, highly annotated biospecimens donated for basic, clinical, and translational research.

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Photo of CBR director opening a liquid nitrogen tank and pulling out stored samples.
Photo depicting the CBR biorepository. Containing liquid nitrogen storage tanks and other cold storage.
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Take a Virtual Tour!

Learn more about the U-M Medical School Central Biorepository by taking a virtual tour of the facility. Get details on the CBR process and information about equipment and services available to study teams.

How we Serve Your Biobanking Needs

The CBR is an enterprise-wide resource, serving all members of the University of Michigan community.

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Access Biospecimens

The Central Biorepository enables access to an array of sample types from participants enrolled in a variety of research studies.

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Biobanking

With collection support and biostorage management, the Central Biorepository is a world-class enterprise resource for U-M researchers and beyond.

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Biospecimen Processing

The Central Biorepository offers a variety of biospecimen processing services and creates sample collection kits in support of biomedical research programs.

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Equipment & Instrumentation

The Central Biorepository uses specialized equipment and laboratory robotics to safely store and automate biospecimen processing.

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Through the Central Biorepository, our world-class U-M faculty researchers have access to high-quality, highly annotated biospecimens that are safely stored and processed.

Victoria Blanc, PhD
Director, Central Biorepository
Photo of Victoria Blanc, PhD
CBR FY22 At A Glance
650,000+
Biospecimens
40+
Research Studies
100,000+
Samples Distributed
How the CBR can Benefit Your Research
Contact Us
Central Biorepository
Medical School Office of Research
North Campus Research Complex, Building 60-1661
2800 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Hours of Operation: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday

Want to provide feedback? Click here to access a brief survey about your CBR service. 

Phone Number: 734-647-8809
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We're Accredited – The Central Biorepository is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Biorepository Accreditation Program.

Upcoming Research Events All Office of Research Events
Principal Investigator: Understanding Your Role as a Manager
Learn the essentials of managing a research team from Dr. Anna Kratz of the University of Michigan's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Data and Safety Monitoring Boards and Data Safety Monitoring Plans
A DSMB is an independent group that advises the study team regarding subject safety, study conduct, and efficacy. The DSMB will also make recommendations concerning the continuation, modification, or termination of the trial. A DSMP outlines how subject safety and data integrity will be maintained to ensure the validity of collected data. This course will review when studies are required to have a DSMP or DSMB and how to develop an appropriate DSMP.
Investment Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine
Kenneth Nelson, Partner at MedTech Advantage Fund, will discuss Investment trends in cardiovascular medicine.
Storage and Retention of Data (Level I)
This course will review the fundamentals of maintaining confidentiality of subject data, including data encryption and protection, using secure environments and external websites, and distinguishing among anonymized, coded, and de-identified datasets.
Enter a new era of spatial discovery with Visium HD
Join the Advanced Genomics Core and 10X Genomics to learn about Visium HD introduction and availability (Part 1) and Visium and Visium HD data analysis (Part 2).
Introduction to sIRBs
This course will identify the Single IRB model for Multi-Site research, show the regulatory requirements of sIRB review and the exceptions to sIRB requirements, and explain sIRB requests of IRBMED as sIRB (accepting oversight), External IRB as sIRB (ceding oversight), and UofM as the Coordinating Center.
FDA Research Involving Drugs and Devices
This course will review what research is subject to FDA oversight, highlight the differences between OHRP and FDA regulations, learn the responsibilities of sponsors, investigators, and the IRB when conducting and reviewing research involving drugs and devices, and examine the requirements for conducting research with a drug or biologic/medical device.
Not Regulated, Secondary Use, Umbrella Applications
This course will review the Not Regulated, Secondary Use, and Umbrella application types in eResearch and when these application types are applicable.
Making Sorting Child’s Play
Learn how the Tyto cell sorter can fit into your workflow.
Featured Research News All Office of Research News Dr. Prasov and one of his team members in the lab
Office of Research
Research Scouts Program Closes First Year of Funding
Research Scouts supports the Bold Science area of the Medical School's strategic research plan, "Great Minds, Greater Discoveries." The program makes awards of up to $150,000 to novel and visionary projects, and recently closed it's first year of funding.
FFMI fellowship
Office of Research
Fast Forward Medical Innovation Fellowship Program
The Fast Forward Medical Innovation Fellowship Program is a 6-12 month, part-time, action-based training program that educates U-M doctoral students and postdocs on the business elements of commercializing biomedical technologies.
fcvc innovation challenge presentation
Office of Research
Apply Today! 2024 Frankel Cardiovascular Center Innovation Challenge Open for Submissions
Now in its eighth year, the Frankel Cardiovascular Center (FCVC) Innovation Challenge is an annual pitch competition where teams can win funds for ideas impacting cardiovascular care.