The repository is populated through partnerships with investigators, departments, centers, and institutes that are looking to create a resource for their own use, as well as sharing biospecimens and developing collaborative opportunities within the research enterprise at University of Michigan and beyond. 

Samples collected from Michigan Medicine patients are annotated with the electronic health record through the Research Data Warehouse, and are discoverable through DataDirect for broader use. A Steering Committee, generally comprised of members of the study team collecting samples, reviews and approves scientific proposals for biospecimen uses. 

The biorepository is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Biorepository Accreditation Program. 

To contribute to the biorepository, complete and submit the Request for Prospective Collection Services form. Be sure to review our Pre-Onboarding Considerations page for guidance on navigating the early steps when working with the CBR. 

• Standard Biorepository Information Pamphlet and a Biorepository Consent Template enabling broad use of biospecimens
• Regulatory guidance on IRB applications
• Collaborative workflow development
• Compliant governance framework
• 24/7 temperature monitoring and on-call staff
• Redundant freezer backup systems
• Emergency cold and empty backup freezers 
• Accredited quality management system 
• Standard operating procedures
• DOT/IATA trained staff
• Discovery of biospecimens through DataDirect

Need information for your research grant? The Central Biorepository is happy to provide support to faculty preparing grant applications with a biorepository component. 

Download the Biorepository facilities and services description!

Have you recently submitted any manuscripts in which you received biospecimens from the Central Biorepository? We want to know about it! Email us. Or,  are you planning on submitting any manuscripts in which you received biosamples from the Central Biorepository or any of our active contributing programs? Please be sure to acknowledge the CBR with this language: 

"The authors acknowledge the University of Michigan Medical School Central Biorepository for providing biospecimen storage, management, and distribution services in support of the research reported in this publication/grant application/presentation.”

Contact us at [email protected] for assistance with budgeting and requests for letters of support.