Frequently Asked Questions
What types of biospecimens can be stored in the Biobank Core Facility?
The Biobank Core Facility accepts specimens that may be stored in vials or microplates, or other containers that can fit a 2” cryobox.
Animal, plant, microbial, environmental, and human-derived specimens, such as biofluids, tissues, and derivatives (e.g., DNA, RNA, protein lysates), are accepted. Other sample derivatives, such as microbes and viruses, can also be stored at the facility. However, Category A specimens (See WHO’s 2021-2022 Guidance on regulations for the Transport of Infectious Substances) or infectious substances that may cause permanent disability or life-threatening diseases in humans or animals cannot be stored in the facility, unless they can be handled under Biosafety Level 2. In addition, cell lines and other specimens that require liquid nitrogen storage are not yet accepted at the facility.
Are there permits required to store samples in the Biobank Core Facility?
For human-derived samples and their derivatives, ethics approval from a PHREB-accredited IRB/REC must be secured before sample collection.
For non-human samples, permits from appropriate agencies (e.g., BFAR, DENR) must be obtained before sample collection.
The Biobank Core Facility will require you to submit copies of the ethics approval/permits upon sample submission.
Who can store samples in the Biobank Core Facility?
Internal (UP units and projects) or external (non-UP) clients can store samples.
How long can we store our samples?
The Biobank Core Facility offers both short-term (weeks to months) and long-term (years) storage services.
What freezers are available in the Biobank Core Facility?
The Biobank Core Facility has -20°C and ultra-low -80°C freezers.
How much does it cost to store samples?
Storage of a single 2” cryobox costs around P50-P200/box/month.
Storage rates depend on the freezer temperature requirement (-20°C or -80°C), nature of the sample (infectious or non-infectious), and the type of client (internal or external).
What types of containers does the Biobank Core Facility accept?
The Biobank Core Facility accepts samples stored in a microplate well, 0.2ml microcentrifuge tubes, 1.5ml, 2ml, and 5ml cryotubes, provided the containers can fit in a 2” cryobox. The storage price is computed per cryobox.
Does the Biobank Core Facility sell microbes and cell lines?
The Biobank Core Facility does not sell microbes or cell lines.
Researchers who wish to access specimens stored at the facility may contact the Lab Manager or the Project Leader who deposited the specimens. Access to specimens is for research use only and will have corresponding fees.
What policy or guidelines on biobanking does the Biobank Core Facility follow?
The Biobank Core Facility has its own set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) that are based on the UP Policies on Human Biobanks.
Contact us
[email protected]
8981-8625 / 8981-8500 local 4703