The Crimson core is processing COVID19-tested materials for clinical and research uses. Materials include plasma, serum (less commonly obtained), and aliquots of stool, sputum, BAL and other sample types from test-positive and test-negative individuals.
Regarding sample types:
Viral Transport Media (VTM) – retrieved 24-96h after collection, and after resulting of final results. Clinically, samples are stored for 1-4hr at room temperature then 4*C until retrieval. Prepared aliquots of residual VTM media are stored at -80°C.
Blood (purple top/EDTA anticoagulant) – retrieved 48-72 after collection, the window for diagnostic testing. Clinically, samples are stored at room temperature for 1-8hr, then at 4°C until discard. Samples are spun and plasma stored at -80*C. Crude buffy coat fractions are pulled and stored at -80°C for evaluation of viral nucleic acid in white blood cell fractions.
Serum (red top or yellow top tubes) – retrieved up to 7 days after collection, at completion of diagnostic testing. Samples are spun upon receipt in the clinical lab (up to 4h at room temperature) and serum stored at -20*C until the discard point. Serum-based testing is not commonly ordered so there are fewer samples than for plasma.
Stool, sputum, BAL – retrieved at 1-7 days after collection, at completion of diagnostic testing. Samples are stored at room temperature for up to 8hr and -20*C until retrieval. Prepared aliquots are stored at -80*C.
Urine – retrieved 24hr after collection, at completion of diagnostic testing. Samples are stored at room temperature for 1-4hr, then at 4°C until retrieval. Prepared aliquots are stored at -80*C.
The priority for use of materials is as follows:
- Clinical diagnostic testing and clinical assay validations to get new testing platforms operational
- Support for infection control and Dept. Public Health surveillance
- Protocols consenting patients for collection of specific clinical discards
- Anonymized aliquots for support of research applications – priority is given to efforts involved in new or improved diagnostic testing.
Process to request materials is as follows:
- Fill out and return the Crimson Request Form.
- In parallel, submit your request to the BWH COVID-19 Oversight Committee who need to approve all requests:
- Complete their project intake form and send that and the associated documents to BWHCOVIDreview@partners.org.
- Once you receive approval, please provide the following:
- MGB (Partners) approval letter to Crimson Core for use of COVID19 materials
- Partners-approved IRB protocol or non-human subjects research (NHSR) waiver letter
- Biosafety protocol
- Email from your biosafety officer that they have approved BL2+ handling for your group
- Cost center # or purchase order
- Tissue Transfer Agreement and Quote are generated prior to finalization of study setup.
Contact the Crimson Core Business Manager, Tim Janicki, with any questions or requests at tjanicki@bwh.harvard.edu.