Biorepository & Tissue Research Facility |
The Biorepository and Tissue Research Facility (BTRF) has replaced the Tissue Procurement Facility (TPF) as the major core facility involved in the procurement and processing of human tissue and other biospecimens for research purposes. The BTRF prospectively collects, and also banks, remnant tissues from surgical resections and autopsies performed at the UVA Hospital. Histologic quality control is performed on most samples. Pertinent pathologic and demographic data are collected with each sample; more extensive clinical information may be obtained upon special arrangement. Mechanical and enzymatic dissociation of tissues for cryopreservation and isolation and cryopreservation of peripheral blood leukocytes are also offered as services. The BTRF supports clinical trials by transport, processing and storage of all types of biospecimens including blood and urine as well as tissue.
The BTRF has expanded its services to include many types of histology-based techniques. These include: processing of formalin-fixed human tissues into paraffin-embedded blocks, routine histologic sectioning and staining, cryostat sectioning of frozen human tissue, immunohistochemistry (available for both human and animal tissues). There is a standard panel of immunostains, and custom staining with antibodies provided by investigators is also supported. Tissue microarrays (TMAs) are being generated to provide surveys of tissue types on a single glass slide. Custom TMAs can also be made upon special arrangement. The enrichment of specific types of cells or tissues is performed by histology-guided macrodissection. Training on and access to laser microdissection apparatuses is available to researchers requiring higher levels of cell purity. DNA, RNA and protein extraction from human biospecimens is offered as a service, and can be bundled with tissue macrodissection to ensure target specificity.
FACILITY LOCATIONThe facility is located in room 4872 of the Old Medical School. STAFF DIRECTORYCraig Rumpel M.S. , Biorepository Manager crumpel@virginia.edu Ph. 2-6453, PIC#6551, Main contact for initiating biospecimen procurement or histology request.
Pat Pramoonjago, Ph.D. Technical Director pp6f@virginia.edu Ph. 2-0487, PIC#1743 Main contact for initiating IHC, tissue/blood processing, DNA/RNA/protein isolation.
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