Frequently asked questions
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VIVO Biobank collect samples from all children and young people with cancer to add to our bank of the best quality material for use in research into improving the diagnosis and treatment CYP cancer.
Before collecting samples, it is important to have completed the VIVO Biobank Sample Information Sheet as fully as possible. Please include the date and times of samples and posting, along with your contact details in case we have a query.
Bone marrow
3-5 ml of bone marrow should be collected in the yellow-capped ACD tube. Stick the barcode with the yellow stripe on the tube and the corresponding duplicate barcode in the yellow box on the Sample Information Sheet.
Peripheral blood
3-5 ml of peripheral blood should be collected in the purple-capped EDTA tube. Stick the barcode with the purple stripe on the tube and the corresponding duplicate barcode in the purple box on the Sample Information Sheet.
CSF
10 drops (if available) should be collected in the blue-capped falcon tubes. Stick the barcode with the blue stripe on the tube and the corresponding duplicate barcode in the blue box on the Sample Information Sheet.
This isn't a problem - just send us whichever samples you have and keep any empty tubes for re-use.
Samples should be packed into the Safeboxes provided and posted the same day.
- Place sample tubes in the spaces in the absorbent packaging, seal in the plastic bag and place in the clear compartment of the Safebox
- Place the completed Sample Information Sheet in the other compartment
- Close the lid and wrap the adhesive label around the Safebox
- Attach the label, ensuring you complete the return address and add the address label
- Samples should be posted to:
UK Biocentre
Units 2&3 Java Park
Bradbourne Drive
Tilbrook
Milton Keynes
MK7 8AT
To maintain quality, samples taken on a Friday should be refrigerated and posted first thing on the following Monday.
If you have missed the last post on a Thursday, please refrigerate them and post first thing on the following Monday.
If samples are taken at the weekend, keep them refrigerated until they can be packaged and sent in the post on Monday. Unless otherwise informed, samples taken on Bank Holidays should be refrigerated and packaged and posted on the next working day.
Separate arrangements will be made at Christmas, New Year and Easter.
All children and young people with cancer may donate samples to VIVO Biobank, irrespective of whether they are part of a clinical trial or not.
Under the Human Tissue Act 2004, children and young people who are 'competent' may provide consent to the storage and use of tissue for research, regardless of their age. A parent may give consent if this is what the child prefers or if there is doubt about whether the child understands enough to give informed consent. In most cases, you will ask parents of children below the age of 18 to provide consent as well as asking children and young people themselves if competent.
VIVO Biobank have produced an assent form that may be used with children aged 8 years or over. This must be accompanied by the Parent / Guardian consent form.
Once consent has been given place the completed consent form in the patient's notes.
We are notified about patient consent from the following sources:
- VIVO Biobank Consent Form
- VIVO Biobank Sample Information Sheet
- VIVO Biobank Patient Registration Form
If consent if withdrawn for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing us via enquiries@vivobiobank.org. All samples that have not been used in research projects will be destroyed and all stored data will be deleted. VIVO Biobank will provide confirmation when this occurs.