Serum repository
Encyclopedia
A serum repository is a facility which stores frozen serum
for future retrieval and study. Examples of serum repositories include the NHANES
serum repository and the Department of Defense Serum Repository
(DoDSR). A serum repository may comprise a portion of a Biobank
, a facility where additional biological fractions including urine
, plasma
, or genetic material
may also be stored.
Blood serum
In blood, the serum is the component that is neither a blood cell nor a clotting factor; it is the blood plasma with the fibrinogens removed...
for future retrieval and study. Examples of serum repositories include the NHANES
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey is a survey research program conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics to asses the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the United States, and to track changes over time. The survey combines interviews and...
serum repository and the Department of Defense Serum Repository
Department of Defense Serum Repository
The Department of Defense Serum Repository is a biological repository operated by the United States Department of Defense containing over 50,000,000 human serum specimens, collected primarily from applicants to and members of the United States Uniformed Services.The DoDSR is located in Silver...
(DoDSR). A serum repository may comprise a portion of a Biobank
Biobank
A biobank is a cryogenic storage facility used to archive biological samples for use in research and experiments. Ranging in size from individual refrigerators to warehouses, biobanks are maintained by institutions such as hospitals, universities, nonprofit organizations, and pharmaceutical...
, a facility where additional biological fractions including urine
Urine
Urine is a typically sterile liquid by-product of the body that is secreted by the kidneys through a process called urination and excreted through the urethra. Cellular metabolism generates numerous by-products, many rich in nitrogen, that require elimination from the bloodstream...
, plasma
Blood plasma
Blood plasma is the straw-colored liquid component of blood in which the blood cells in whole blood are normally suspended. It makes up about 55% of the total blood volume. It is the intravascular fluid part of extracellular fluid...
, or genetic material
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms . The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in...
may also be stored.