FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers on how we work. If your question isn't here, ask us directly.
Working with us
Who do you work with?
Life-science companies and spinouts, academic research groups, and the sponsors of clinical studies and trials who need their samples held to an accredited standard without running a biobank of their own.
Do you run clinical trials?
No. We are here to support trials, not run them. The sponsor or institution remains responsible for the protocol, approvals and consent, and we look after the samples. See our governance approach for how responsibilities are split.
How do I get started?
Get in touch with a short description of your samples, volumes and timelines. We will talk through what you need and propose an approach, then agree responsibilities and a material transfer agreement before any samples arrive.
Where are you based, and can we visit?
We are at 22 Hanborough Business Park, Oxfordshire, OX29 8LH, a short drive from Oxford. Our hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Samples and storage
What types of sample do you store?
We specialise in biofluids and dried blood spots (DBS).
Can you check samples before they go into storage?
Yes. We can work with you to devise and deliver quality control procedures, so the integrity of your samples can be demonstrated before they are stored and over time. Testing first means you know what you are storing before you incur long-term costs.
Quality, consent and governance
What accreditations and licences do you hold?
We are accredited by UKAS to BS EN ISO 20387:2020+A11:2024, the international standard for biobanking (UKAS No. 31342), and hold Human Tissue Authority licence 12811. Urinalysis is within our ISO 20387 scope, and we intend to add ISO 17025 to bring more testing within accreditation.
Who is responsible for consent?
The sponsoring institution ensures each sample has patient consent, where required, before it is sent to us. We adhere to that consent in how samples are used, and review it as part of the material transfer agreement.
Do projects need ethics approval?
Yes. All projects are subject to the Human Tissue (Quality and Safety for Human Application) Regulations 2007 and Research Ethics Committee approval.
How is data about the samples handled?
We maintain the integrity and confidentiality of the data associated with the samples in our custody.