Biorepository and Biomarker Analytic Research Core (BARC)

Overview

The Einstein Biorepository provides long-term banking services for human subject specimens. All samples are tracked and archived electronically, providing storage, retrieval and chain of custody information, while meeting GLP and FDA guidelines. Specimens can be linked to investigator provided EMR and other clinical data. Our staff are trained and certified in sample aliquoting, storage, retrieval and packaging for shipping to other institutions.

Biomarkers are playing an increasingly important role in clinical and translational research, especially as we move toward an era of personalized medicine in both the prevention and treatment of disease. The BiomarkerAnalytic Research Core (BARC) — the central laboratory for the ICTR and the Biorepository — provides sophisticated tools and expertise for Einstein and Montefiore investigators from the initial planning stage through analysis and data output.

Services

• Long-term storage of prospective clinical trial samples
• Services available to individual investigators or targeted consortia
• Sample types include blood, urine, tissue, DNA, mRNA, etc.
• Storage available at a variety of conditions: LN2, -80°C, 4°C and room temperature
• Individual archiving and tracking of each vial in repository
• Bar coding of external samples
• Domestic and international packaging services for shipment (IATA certified)
• Cost competitive sample storage; additional volume discounts available
• Redundant freezer backup systems, provided to ensure sample integrity
• State-of-the-art mass spectrometry analysis, in particular stable isotopes, as well as research-grade determination of lipids, and metabolic markers for a variety of human subjects and animal model projects
• High-throughput robotics for semiautomated high-quality sample preparation and analysis by immunoassay and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS)
• Support for novel developmental projects featuring applications of LC/MS and two-site bead-based assays
• Research-quality analysis of metabolites for human and animal samples using an Olympus AU400 autoanalyzer
• Aadvanced training in analytical chemistry

In addition to its isotope dilution LC/MS assays, BARC has already validated and made available quantitative measurement of 25(OH) Vitamin D, testosterone, and androstenedione via LC/MS. Other dual-use assays for steroids are under development, including ultrahigh sensitivity salivary cortisol, estradiol, and progesterone which will support both clinical care and research use. BARC also offers a novel method for LC/MS measurement of C-peptide, and is currently the reference lab for an ongoing clinical trial measuring insulin secretion.

All samples processed are labeled with barcoded cryolabels for easy identification. Records of samples and data are seamlessly integrated and tracked, and are remotely accessible via a secure research database.

Leadership

Scientific Director
Dr. Matthew Abramowitz
Matthew.Abramowitz@einsteinmed.edu
718-430-8566

Location and hours of operation

Links and Resources

1. Our Website
2. Assay List
3. ICTR Services
4. ISBER - Best Practices
5. NCI - Best Practices

Contacts