Donate Samples to the COMBINEDBrain Biorepository
Families play a vital role in advancing neurological research. By contributing biospecimens to the COMBINEDBrain Biorepository, participants help researchers better understand neurological disorders and accelerate the development of new treatments.
Samples are collected under an Institutional Review Board–approved research protocol to ensure ethical oversight and participant protections.
Sample collections are coordinated in partnership with Patient Advocacy Groups (PAGs), which represent the communities participating in the biorepository. If you are interested in contributing samples, we encourage you to contact your Patient Advocacy Group to learn about current collection opportunities and how to participate. Your PAG can work directly with COMBINEDBrain to coordinate sample collection for your community.
Participate in a Roadshow
COMBINEDBrain Roadshows are sample collection events held at patient conferences and community gatherings. These events bring trained collection teams to a single location, allowing families to contribute samples in a convenient and supportive environment while connecting with others in their community. Roadshows may include collection of blood and other biospecimens and are coordinated in advance with Patient Advocacy Groups. If a Roadshow is scheduled for your community or in your area, your PAG can provide information about how to participate. | Schedule a Home Collection
COMBINEDBrain can coordinate mobile phlebotomy services so that a trained professional visits the participant’s home to collect samples and arrange shipment to the biorepository. This option allows families to participate even if they are unable to travel to a conference or collection event. Home collections are coordinated in partnership with Patient Advocacy Groups, so families interested in this option should contact their PAG to learn whether home collections are available for their community. |
Physician-Based Collection
In some cases, samples may be collected during routine clinical care or scheduled medical procedures performed by a participant’s physician. Examples may include cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or tissue biopsies. COMBINEDBrain can coordinate with physicians to provide collection guidance and shipping materials so that samples can be transferred to the biorepository when appropriate. Families interested in contributing samples through a physician collection should contact their Patient Advocacy Group, which can coordinate with COMBINEDBrain to arrange the collection. Additional Information - Coming Soon | Post-Mortem Tissue Donation
Some families choose to support research through post-mortem tissue donation. Brain and other tissue samples can provide important insights that may help researchers better understand neurological conditions and guide future discoveries. Because this type of donation requires advance planning, families who may wish to explore this option are encouraged to speak with their Patient Advocacy Group. If appropriate, COMBINEDBrain can help coordinate arrangements with established tissue banking partners so that a family’s wishes can be honored in a respectful and supportive manner. Additional Information - Coming Soon |
