The EPAD Bioresource consists of over 100,000 samples consisting of blood, CSF, saliva and urine that have been collected annually from research participants throughout their participation in the Longitudinal Cohort Study. The samples are stored in -20°C, -80°C or -150°C freezers as appropriate at the EPAD Bioresource facility located at the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh. The Bioresource team utilizes a bespoke lab database and information management system that provides traceability and sample validation at every stage along the sample pathway, from collection, processing, storage and release for research.
| Sample Type | Stored As |
|---|---|
| Blood |
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| CSF |
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| Saliva |
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| Urine |
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The EPAD Longitudinal Cohort Study (LCS) Sample Access committee consists of international experts in the field of dementia and its primary purpose is to ensure that researchers make best use of the EPAD samples. The committee conducts a scientific review of applications and assesses requests on four broad areas: (i) Significance, e.g. will the project progress research in Alzheimer’s disease prevention; (ii) Investigator expertise, experience and training; (iii) Innovation, e.g. is the research novel and innovative; and (iv) Approach, e.g. are the strategy, methodology, sample size, data management approach and statistical analyses well-reasoned.
EPAD offers a way of accessing the samples collected during the EPAD LCS. Applications are made through a system called Wizehive, you will need to make an online request here.
“We aim to ensure that this precious collection of samples is put to the very best use towards the prevention of Alzheimer’s dementia.”
