Biospecimen Core

The Biospecimen Core is an advanced facility offering a comprehensive suite of services and state-of-the-art equipment for the management of research biospecimens. Our services include the meticulous receiving and processing of biospecimens, encompassing the isolation of blood products and cells, as well as the extraction, quantitation, and qualification of DNA, cell-free DNA, and RNA. We also expertly handle the banking of various bodily fluids and tissues. Our facility boasts advanced biospecimen storage solutions and an efficient inventory tracking system to ensure accurate and reliable management of all materials.

Freezer monitoring and management are conducted with precision, safeguarding the integrity of stored specimens. We offer seamless shipping and receiving of biological materials, ensuring secure and timely delivery. Additionally, our rigorous biospecimen auditing and reporting processes uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency. At the Biospecimen Core, we are committed to providing exceptional support for your research needs with our state-of-the-art capabilities and expertise.

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photo of Coleen Damcott

Mission

The mission of the Biospecimen Core is to serve as a trusted custodian of biological specimens, dedicated to the highest standards of processing, storage, and distribution. We strive to support DIR investigators in their research endeavors by optimizing all aspects of biospecimen management, including banking, tracking, storing, retrieving, and distributing biospecimens with precision and efficiency while ensuring integrity, accessibility, and ethical compliance.

Major Services and Equipment

Services:

  • Receiving & processing research biospecimens
    • Isolation of blood products and cells
    • DNA, cell free DNA & RNA extraction, quantitation, and qualification
    • Banking of other bodily fluids and tissues
  • Biospecimen storage
  • Data entry into LIMS (BSI)  – detailed biospecimen annotation, tracking & reporting
  • Biospecimen inventory tracking via LIMS (BSI)
  • Freezer monitoring (24/7) & management
  • Shipping & receiving of biological materials
  • MTA assistance
  • Biospecimen audits & reports
  • Emergency freezer program

Equipment:

  • Hamilton STAR V Liquid Handler
    • Biospecimen aliquoting
    • DNA/RNA quantitation
    • DNA/RNA normalization
    • Integrated tube barcode scanning, capping & decapping
  • Revvity Chemagic 360
    • DNA, cell free DNA & RNA extraction
  • Agilent TapeStation
    • DNA, cell free DNA & RNA quantitation & qualification

Meet the Team

photo of Coleen Damcott

Coleen Damcott, Ph.D.

Core Director

Dr. Damcott received her Ph.D. in human genetics from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002 and completed her postdoctoral training in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 2005. She remained with the division as an Assistant Professor, then Associate Professor, to pursue a successful traditional academic career exploring genes that influence type 2 diabetes, lipid metabolism, cardiovascular disease and longevity. In 2014 she transitioned to Director of the University of Maryland Medicine (UMM) Biorepository, a service core that provides comprehensive and reliable support for the collection, preservation, and distribution of biological specimens for UM researchers. In this role she was directly involved in the design, planning and installation of a freezer system and liquid handling robotics, and acquired a laboratory information management system (LIMS) software package to streamline sample tracking, storage, retrieval, and distribution with the overall goal to ensure meticulous, efficient, and secure management of biospecimen collections. To ensure the repository's day-to-day functionality followed best practices, she developed and implemented protocols for proper sample collection, handling, processing, and storage as well as a cost structure that factored in equipment maintenance, personnel, supplies and other operational expenses.