Biospecimen Archive Research Core (BARC)

Introduction to the BARC

The Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine operates an IRB-approved, fee-for-service archive of biospecimens obtained from Boston Medical Center patients who have given informed consent for experimentation on any extraneous normal or abnormal specimens removed during medical procedures at the hospital.

The BARC contains samples of tissues frozen at -80oC and/or blocked in paraffin. Investigators interested in acquiring samples must obtain IRB approval prior to biospecimen access and use in their research.

Examples of Tissue Types and Disease Entities Available

Breast cancer
Breast, normal
Colorectal cancer
Colon, normal
Crohn disease
Graves disease
Kidney cancer
Kidney, normal
Lung cancer
Pancreas
Parathyroid adenoma
Parotid and thymus glands
Prostate cancer
Thyroid cancer
Ulcerative colitis

This list serves only to highlight the range of archived tissues and may not reflect what is currently on hand. Interested researchers are encouraged to contact the BARC for current holdings and further information including the fee schedule.

Contact

E-mail: pathlab@bu.edu
Phone: 617-414-7089
Website: The BARC can be accessed by visiting the Pathology Core Services site at http://www.bumc.bu.edu/busm-pathology/pathology-core-services/

Biospecimen Archive Research Core (BARC)