CTSI Biorepository

Do you need high-quality biospecimens, processing or storage?

The CTSI Biorepository provides a range of services to help clinical and basic science investigators to conduct research and generate publications in biobanking and improved patient care. A successful biorepository opens many doors of opportunity for investigators and patients, including the potential to acquire large-scale clinical trials, become leaders of research consortia, advance clinical research technologies and medical care, and develop educational opportunities for faculty and students.

CTSI Biorepository


Services and Facilities

Biospecimen Library

More than 32,000 remnant specimens collected with informed consent and made available to anyone with appropriate IRB approval or materials transfer agreement.

  • Fresh-frozen tissue samples: Tumor and matching normal from same patient, same organ
  • Mirror-image FFPE blocks of fresh-frozen tissue samples
  • Corresponding blood/blood derivatives: Plasma, serum, buffy coat
  • Retrospective and prospective specimen procurement services
  • Want a full inventory list? Email the Biorepository, Biorepository@pathology.ufl.edu

Secure Specimen Storage Facility

  • Both -80C and LN2 freezers with capacity for more than 520,000 samples
  • Equipped with multiple, independent temperature-monitoring systems
  • All freezers are connected to backup generators in the event of a loss of electrical power
  • CO2 backup systems on all -80C freezers

Specimen Processing Services and Equipment

  • Processing of tissue, blood and bodily fluids; peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) processing
  • Nucleic acid extraction and quality-assessment equipment

Comprehensive Research Specimen Management

  • Consultation on study-specific needs
  • Custom kit creation (study specific)
  • Multi-site management and support
  • Sample receipt, reconciliation, and storage
  • Sample distribution and shipping
  • Electronic biospecimen tracking in OnCore Biospecimen Management database (complete cradle-to-grave sample tracking. including chain-of-custody, aliquoting, freeze-thaw cycles, etc.)

And more…

  • Assistance in completing Institutional Review Board documents when applying for UF CTSI Biorepository specimens and services
  • Comprehensive pathology services, including diagnosis confirmation by board-certified pathologists (upon request)

Contact us

Visit us

Stetson Medical Science Building (MSB), 6th Floor
Room M621
Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST
Directions >

Mailing Address

CTSI Biorepository
UF Department of Pathology
1600 SW Archer Road, Room M621
P.O. Box 100275
Gainesville, FL 32610

To learn more about the UF CTSI Biorepository, call or e-mail Client Coordinator, Erin Kelly, (352) 273-6138, or Assistant Director, Amer Abouhamze, (352) 273-9498.


The CTSI Biorepository provides medical researchers with high-quality biospecimens procured by highly trained staff and through implemented quality assurance processes. The Biorepository has been accredited by The College of American Pathologists (CAP) Biorepository Accreditation Program since 2012 and follows the “Best Practice” guidelines of the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) and the Biorepositories and Biospecimen Research Branch (BBRB)