Biorepository Resources

The GRCF Biorepository at Johns Hopkins has been dedicated to meeting the storage needs of the Hopkins community. Located onsite at the Johns Hopkins East Baltimore campus, the GRCF Biorepository offers a range of frozen storage options across a diversity of sample types. In 2013, the GRCF Biorepository was recognized as a CAP-accredited facility offering superior services in storage, cryopreservation, shipping, and processing. The GRCF Biorepository is an active member of ISBER and strictly adheres to guidelines set forth by ISBER best biorepository practices.

 GRCF Biorepository

Research involving the use of human and human-derived tissue, infectious agents/pathogens, or toxins must be registered with the Biosafety Office in order to maintain compliance with institutional and federal regulations. Human tissue includes tissue samples and/or blood from patients, volunteers, or cadavers as well as human-derived cells in tissue culture. Common laboratory cell lines including HEK293 and Hela are not exempt and must be registered.

Infectious agents and pathogens include all bacterial, viral, and fungal agents with potential for vertical or horizontal transmission. "Host-specific" viruses and viral vectors commonly used for gene transfer must also be registered. This includes, but is not limited to, adenovirus, MuLV, and other commercially available or investigator-generated modified lentiviral and retroviral-based vectors.

 Human Tissue, Pathogen, and Toxin Registration