Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit Biobank
Research type
Research Tissue Bank
IRAS ID
154654
Contact name
Geraldine Sloane
Contact email
Research summary
Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit Biobank, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust
REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
09/H0504/104+5
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jul 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion
Data collection arrangements
The Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit Biobank was established in 2009 with the aim of collecting blood, saliva, and cardiovascular tissue samples and associated clinical data (including imaging data), from patients attending the Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals. To date, over 4000 patients have contributed samples to the biobank.
All patients attending Royal Brompton or Harefield hospital will be eligible to donate samples and data to the biobank. Patients attending the hospitals for an out-patient appointment or receiving in-patient treatment will be asked if they wish to participate. If, after receiving both verbal and written information, they agree, then blood or saliva samples will be collected from them. Cardiovascular tissue samples that are surplus to diagnostic requirements may also be donated to the biobank. Patients that consent to participate in the biobank will be asked to complete annual questionnaires with information on their current health status, and may also be invited to contribute further blood samples or undergo scans.
The biobank also includes a cardiovascular tissue sample archive collected from patients undergoing cardiac transplantation where tissue samples from explanted hearts have been donated for research.
Research programme
The primary purpose of the biobank is the identification of new genes or biomarkers linked to cardiovascular disease to aid in the diagnosis and provide information on the prognosis of both common and rare cardiovascular diseases. The collection of clinical outcome data via the use of follow up patient questionnaires, and the option of inviting participants for future clinical tests (biochemical markers, imaging) provides information for researchers on the potential clinical relevance of any biomarker or genes identified. Access to samples and linked anonymised data is provided to researchers both within and external to Royal Brompton & Harefield Trust. Applications to access samples are reviewed by the Science Committee of the Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit. Applications will be reviewed on their scientific merit, compliance with the terms of the ethical approval and patient consent, and the availability of the samples requested. Samples may be used for genetic analysis where patients have provided consent for this. Patients are given the option of receiving feedback on any genetic results which may be relevant for themselves or their families.
Storage license
12388
RTBTitle
Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit Biobank, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust
Establishment organisation
Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust
Establishment organisation address
Royal Brompton Hospital
Sydney Street
London
SW3 6NP