Biobank

Donating biospecimens to the NHCS Biobank

The National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) Biobank was established to collect and store biospecimens and clinical data from patients with cardiovascular disease. The biospecimens (e.g. blood, saliva or extra tissues removed during procedures) will be stored and used for any future research on molecular, imaging and outcome studies of cardiovascular disease.

The NHCS Biobank assures the quality of biospecimens collected in an organised method, and manages the accessibility and distribution of the biospecimens to the researchers.

Why are biospecimens important to research?

The NHCS Biobank is a valuable bio-repository providing sufficient number of biospecimens for future research. Biospecimens which linked to clinical data, allow doctors and researchers to study the biomarkers that can provide them with a greater understanding of how diseases develop and progress. With technological advances, research on biomarkers can potentially enable earlier diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Who can donate to NHCS Biobank?

Heart patients who are agreeable can donate your biospecimens to the NHCS Biobank.

What will happen if I say yes?

The NHCS Biobank coordinator will provide you with all the information and procedures involved in donating a biospecimen to the Biobank and answer any questions you may have. If you are agreeable, you will be asked to sign a consent form for participation. The coordinator may ask questions about your medical and family history. The biospecimens will then be collected as follows:

• Step 1: 20ml of blood samples will be drawn from your vein (just like a normal blood test); OR
• Step 2: Saliva will be collected using a saliva kit (only for patients who are unable to donate blood)

How will my biospecimens be used?

All donated biospecimens will be kept anonymous and labelled with a unique research ID, and send to the research lab for processing and storing. The biospecimens may be used for several Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved research projects in future.

Is it safe to participate?

Yes, it is safe to participate in the NHCS Biobank. Only a small volume of blood sample is taken. All biospecimens are labelled with a unique code number and only limited and essential data will be disclosed to the researchers. The identity of donor will be kept in strict confidence.

Will I be paid for donating my biospecimens?

No, the donation of your biospecimens will be treated as a gift which could help in research to benefit those affected by cardiovascular disease. We thank you for your support.

Contact the NHCS Biobank

For further information, please contact our Biobank coordinators from Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays), 8.30am to 5.30pm, at:

Tel: (65) 6704 2199

Email: biobanking_enquiries@nhcs.com.sg