Biobank and Sample Services
The Unity Health Biobank and Sample Services provides access to clinical research samples, specialized processing, and dedicated cold storage to support investigator-driven projects and promote translational innovation.
The Unity Health Biobank and Sample Services is dedicated to supporting research by providing access to clinical research samples, sample processing and dedicated sample cold storage. Our objective is to create a research centre that can support investigator-driven projects and promote translational innovation.
Cyrostorage Services
The Biobank offers cryo-storage to researchers on a fee-for-service basis to support clinical research. Prior to gaining access to this service, it is recommended to contact the Biobank in order to discuss your project so we can identify your storage needs and identify any biohazardous risk in the samples being brought to the facility.
We can provide cold storage in either liquid nitrogen freezers or ultra-low -80C freezers to support the storage of various types of biological samples.
Facilities: Our primary cryostorage facility is found on the 7th floor of the Li Ka Shing building. All freezers are monitored 24/7 by security and are on emergency power backup. Freezers are routinely checked and professionally certified and inspected and freezer logs are maintained to ensure biological sample integrity. Freezers are locked and access is restricted. We can also provide details about cryostorage solutions at St. Joseph's Health Centre (SJHC) as needed.
Contact Us: Please contact us for information about our services and rental fees. Prior to gaining storage access, it is recommended to contact the Biobank and Sample Services in order to discuss your project so we can identify your storage needs and identify any biohazardous risk in the samples being brought to the facility. We can also provide quotes and fee information. In addition, please contact us for additional information about St. Joseph’s Health Centre (SJHC).
Contact the Biobank Manager by email: Valeria.DiGiovanni@unityhealth.to or phone at 416-864-6060 ext. 77532.
Bioprocessing Services
Our Biobank offers customized clinical biological sample processing services on a cost-recovery basis to support research.
Biobank staff can offer bioprocessing processing services to investigators to support translational projects using clinical samples. Bioprocessing can be combined with cryostorage to offer complete project solutions. Our services begin with a detailed discussion to understand project needs and biological sample details. We can offer processing for different kinds of clinical biological samples, including blood, PBMCs, saliva and tissue.
All bioprocessing services use our state-of-the-art laboratory space which is supported by funding from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Research Fund. Our infrastructure includes biosafety cabinets, temperature-controlled centrifuges and a laboratory information management system to track biological samples in our cryostorage facilities. Equipment is housed in a secure space in the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute building. Please contact us if you need details on bioprocessing equipment at St. Joseph's Health Centre (SJHC).
Our Sample Repositories
Our sample repositories can support and accelerate research projects for investigators through access to clinical samples and associated clinical information.
Unity Health Sample Repositories
Our sample repositories were created to support retrospective research studies and accelerate projects for investigators. Our repositories contain human clinical biological samples in different formats (including tissue, plasma, serum, etc.) with matched clinical information, which can be made available for research after an appropriate application process. Please see below to find out more information about our existing samples.
To access any stored samples or clinical data, researchers must first consult with our staff members to discuss the suitability of the proposed research project. Samples or data can only be transferred to investigators with approved Research Ethics Board (REB) protocols.
To arrange for a consultation, please contact the Biobank Manager at Valeria.DiGiovanni@unityhealth.to.
Contact Us
Contact the Biobank Manager by email: Valeria.DiGiovanni@unityhealth.to or phone at 416-864-6060 ext. 77532 to discuss the feasibility of your study or available archival samples.
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