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Biorepository

The Pediatric Biorepository at Medical University of South Carolina has been established for the Pediatric Department and its subspecialties. Our primary goal is to assist clinician researchers in collecting, processing, and storage of biospecimens for current and future research. We offer a growing collection of resources including protocol preparation, prospective collection of specimens stored with 24/7 temperature monitoring, and limited genomic and protein assays.

Staff

Cameron Leyers

Biomedical Sciences, MUSC College of Graduate Studies

Category: Graduate Student, 2nd Place
Mentor: Melissa Cunningham, M.D.
Title: Altered ER localization differentially modulates immune cell subsets

"By having the ability to present I was able to practice my skills presenting a clear story to a varied audience and it really builds my confidence in my abilities to do so. Events like this continue to drive my motivation in becoming the best scientist that I can be. "- Cameron

Services

  • Protocol creation.
  • Linkage of clinicopathologic data for research use.
  • Patient outcome data.
  • Body fluid processing and aliquoting.
  • Blood sample processing for distribution and storage.
  • Tissue processing for histological analysis.
  • Extraction of RNA/DNA and protein for assay analysis.
  • Honest broker services.

How do I request samples?

Please contact the biorepository through email at pedsbiobank@musc.edu or by phone at 843-792-9793.

How are samples organized?

The biorepository utilizes a top-of-the-line management database as well as a barcode printer and scanner for organization.

What population does the biorepository collect from?

Patients of all backgrounds aged 1 day to 17 years of age.

What samples are available?

The biorepository contains a wide range of high-quality biospecimens that range from normal to diseased available from surgeries and other routine procedures including:

  • Stool
  • Saliva
  • Plasma
  • Urine
  • Cerebral Spinal Fluid
  • CNS Tissue
  • Esophageal Tissue
  • Cardiac Tissue
  • Bone
  • Adipose Tissue
  • Kidney Tissue
  • Connective Tissue
  • Other

Does the biorepository collect tumor samples?

The biorepository does not collect malignant or benign tumor samples. Please contact the Biorepository & Tissue Analysis Shared Resource at the Hollings Cancer Center.

  • Dr. Katherine Chetta participates in the NEC biorepository directed by Dr. Misty Good at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Collaborating with the Pediatric Biorepository at MUSC allows for seamless sample collection and storage of collected specimens. Specimens include blood, urine, stool, gastric contents, DNA, breast milk sample, and intestine (if removed) from infants with and without NEC.
  • Dr. Eric Graham, along with his co-investigator Dr. Yar Chowdhury, focus on improving outcomes for children undergoing cardiac operations, perioperative pharmacologic therapies, and elucidating the exposure to hazardous chemicals in the healthcare environment. Collected specimens include blood, urine, and cardiac tissue.
  • Dr. Ramin Eskandari research interests include pediatric hydrocephalus and brain injuries. Currently Dr. Eskandari is collecting CSF, CNS tissue, blood and connective tissue and currently collaborates with the CombinedBrain consortium.
  • Dr. Katherine Twombley focuses on antibody mediated rejection (AMR) and its long term effects such as hypertension, donor specific antibody development and chronic kidney disease. Her long-term goals consist of a clinical focus on pediatric kidney transplantation and aims to collect kidney tissue.
  • Dr. Benjamin Kuhn specializes in allergic gastrointestinal conditions, specifically Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) and is collecting esophageal tissue.