Biological Samples Platform
The Broad’s Biological Samples Platform is an academic leader in biological sample management. The platform combines expertise in advanced technologies for sample storage and processing, the appropriate procedures for collection and use of human samples in biomedical research, the histological analysis of normal and abnormal human tissues, and the development of laboratory information management systems for detailed sample tracking.
Scientists in the Biological Samples Platform work with their Broad colleagues to ensure that each biological sample analyzed at the Broad is handled and characterized according to standardized best practices and solid research data, thereby achieving the best possible specimen quality. The platform manages thousands of human and non-human samples and participates in a wide range of scientific projects at the Broad.
The platform is directed by Kristin Ardlie, an expert in population genetics and large-scale biological sample management. Lab operations are managed by Scott Mahan and Jennifer Franklin; platform informatics are managed by Alex Thomson; and platform project management is overseen by Candace Guiducci and Shannon Power.
The platform’s major activities include:
Sample receipt and storage
Platform scientists coordinate the collection and shipment of biological samples, working together with researchers at the Broad and collaborating institutions to ensure that appropriate procedures are followed. The platform also manages sample storage and inventory. This includes tracking samples with unique barcodes that can be scanned and recorded electronically, thereby monitoring the locations of all stored aliquots and their retrieval from storage.
Sample processing
Consistent laboratory methods for processing research samples are paramount to the scientific quality and accuracy of the Broad’s research efforts. Platform scientists use standardized protocols to isolate and monitor key derivatives from whole blood and tissue samples, including DNA, RNA, and proteins.
Ethics and genetic privacy
The Biological Samples Platform works with Broad scientists to obtain the proper documentation required for the use of human samples in biomedical research. Together with other approval notification, this documentation is stored securely by the platform. In accordance with the regulations of the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), all patient information is coded anonymously and personal identifiers, such as names, addresses, or social security numbers, are not stored in the platform’s databases.
Pathology
Platform scientists work closely with project investigators to manage the histological analysis of both normal and abnormal human tissue samples. Their duties include the preparation and review of histological preparations from tissue samples used in scientific analyses. Other techniques include laser capture microdissection, which isolates cells of interest from samples that contain a mixture of different cells, as well as in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, which are integral to the validation of potential molecular targets and biomarkers.
Informatics and LIMS development
The Biological Samples Platform provides the tools and infrastructure needed to accurately anonymize, track, and manage research samples and to properly store the corresponding sample information.