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The H3Africa Biorepository Program manages Biospecimen collections from the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Consortium researchers as well as Biospecimen from other researchers. H3Africa studies are currently collecting DNA and other Biospecimens from participants in 22 African countries to assess genomic and environmental influences on communicable and non-communicable diseases. Whereas Biospecimen collection is done by H3Africa Consortium researchers, quality control and assurance for collection and processing is key to ensure long term future usability. The H3africa Biorepositories have designed tools to ensure quality along the Biospecimen chain from collection to storage and distribution, these include a web-based SPREC, SOPs and training to researchers to ensure quality Biospecimen.

Biorepository operations are well-controlled process performed according to SOPs that minimize variation and prepare the Biospecimen for storage according to ISBER standards. The available and planned processing methods provide for long-term storage and do not preclude any methods for future analysis. Human cells may be stored for future detailed phenotypic, genomic or functional studies in living cells, to recover virions or viral nucleic acids and to enhance the availability of nucleic acids from the study subjects such as cultured lymphoblastoid cell lines that allows harvesting virtually unlimited amounts of DNA from single subjects. We provide services for PBMC separation and preparation for cryopreservation and more.

Current storage capacity in the dedicated facilities for the Biorepository is composed of room temperature, freezers -20°C and-80°C and liquid/vapor phase nitrogen tanks. The storage spaces and sample data are managed by STARLIMS and FreezerWorks Laboratory Information Management Systems at the different Biorepositories.

QA/QC processes available at the biorepositories include for Nucleic acids (DNA quantification, purity and integrity), this extends to other samples using tools such as SPREC, visual grading for serum and plasma.

Biospecimen location and rapid retrieval is facilitated by 2D barcoding and robust Information management systems (LIMS). This involves rapid and efficient retrieving Biospecimens from storage, packaging and shipment tracking to and from the H3Africa Consortium researcher and to requesting researchers in Africa and beyond. H3Africa biorepositories piloted Biospecimen shipping across Africa and beyond and have built capacity basing on these experience relating to cost, quality of services offered by couriers, logistical and ethical (permits and Material Transfer Agreements) and challenges in shipping across Africa.

H3Africa Biorepositories have designed training courses in Biorepository science and management and Biospecimen research trainings. Contact your regional biorepository for more information related to training services/schedule.

H3Africa Biorepositories have various Biospecimen within their custody, the Biorepositories have in-house capacity to add value by generating more genomic data through sequencing. Available sequencing technologies currently are Sanger and Next Generation Sequencing.