Central Biorepository

The Central Biorepository (CBR) facilitates discovery and improves healthcare outcomes by providing high-quality, highly annotated biospecimens donated for basic, clinical, and translational research.

Make an Appointment Photo of CBR director opening a liquid nitrogen tank and pulling out stored samples.
Exceptional Biobanking Services

The CBR helps researchers access, collect, manage, and protect biospecimens using highly automated processes and the highest quality control in our state-of-the-art, safe and monitored facility. 

Before you begin working with the CBR, please review our Pre-Onboarding Considerations for guidance on navigating the early steps of working with us. 
  • Make an Appointment
  • Services and Rates
  • View Inventory
  • Regulatory and Governance
  • Find Biospecimens
  • Research We Support
  • AI & Digital Health Innovation
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Photo depicting the CBR biorepository. Containing liquid nitrogen storage tanks and other cold storage.
    Spotlight On
    Take a Virtual Tour!

    Learn more about the U-M Medical School Central Biorepository by taking a virtual tour of the facility. Get details on the CBR process and information about equipment and services available to study teams.
    How we Serve Your Biobanking Needs

    The CBR is an enterprise-wide resource, serving all members of the University of Michigan community.
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    Access Biospecimens

    The Central Biorepository enables access to an array of sample types from participants enrolled in a variety of research studies.

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    Biobanking

    With collection support and biostorage management, the Central Biorepository is a world-class enterprise resource for U-M researchers and beyond.

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    Biospecimen Processing

    The Central Biorepository offers a variety of biospecimen processing services and creates sample collection kits in support of biomedical research programs.

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    Equipment & Instrumentation

    The Central Biorepository uses specialized equipment and laboratory robotics to safely store and automate biospecimen processing.

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    Through the Central Biorepository, our world-class U-M faculty researchers have access to high-quality, highly annotated biospecimens that are safely stored and processed.

    Victoria Blanc, PhD
    Director, Central Biorepository
    Photo of Victoria Blanc, PhD
    CBR FY24 At a Glance
    799,000+
    Biospecimens Stored
    45
    Research Studies
    22,400+
    Samples Distributed
    How the CBR can Benefit Your Research
    Contact Us
    Central Biorepository
    Medical School Office of Research
    North Campus Research Complex, Building 60-1661
    2800 Plymouth Road
    Ann Arbor, MI 48109

    Hours of Operation: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday

    Want to provide feedback? Click here to access a brief survey about your CBR service. 

    Phone Number: 734-647-8809
    College of American Pathologists logo

    We're Accredited – The Central Biorepository is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Biorepository Accreditation Program.
    Upcoming Research Events All Office of Research Events
    Waivers, Alterations, and Alternative Forms of Informed Consent
    This course offers an overview of some special situations relating to informed consent. Specifically, waivers and alterations of informed consent, waivers of documentation of informed consent, and obtaining consent from non-English speakers.
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    Reporting AEs, ORIOs, and Unanticipated Problems
    This course will identify what constitutes an Adverse Event, ORIO, and Unanticipated Problem and how such events impact risk to subjects. Additionally, the course will review the requirements of reporting such events to the IRB and other entities.
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    Panel Design Tips and Tricks
    Help yourself to a cookie and learn how the BRCF Flow Cytometry Core can enhance your research. Core staff Sylviane Lambert, Ph.D., will present educational and analysis content about Panel Design Tips and Tricks.
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    Amendments and Continuing Reviews
    This course is a follow-up to Initial Project Applications and will examine the process for submitting amendments and scheduled continuing reviews to IRBMED using eResearch once a project’s initial application has been approved.
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    Crafting Effective Self-Report Measures: Essential Survey Development Strategies
    Hosted by the Clinical Trials Support Office, this session is led by Claire Kalpakjian, Ph.D., Associate Chair for Research, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, who will cover essential considerations for planning and creating useful self-report measures.
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    Data and Safety Monitoring Boards and Data Safety Monitoring Plans
    This course will review when studies are required to have a DSMP or DSMB and how to develop an appropriate DSMP. A DSMB is an independent group that advises the study team regarding subject safety, study conduct, and efficacy. The DSMB will also make recommendations concerning the continuation, modification, or termination of the trial. A DSMP outlines how subject safety and data integrity will be maintained to ensure the validity of collected data.
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    Storage and Retention of Data
    This course will review the fundamentals of maintaining confidentiality of subject data, including data encryption and protection, using secure environments and external websites, and distinguishing among anonymized, coded, and de- identified datasets.
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    Introduction to sIRBs
    This course will identify the Single IRB model for Multi-Site research, show the regulatory requirements of sIRB review and the exceptions to sIRB requirements, and explain sIRB requests of IRBMED as sIRB (accepting oversight), External IRB as sIRB (ceding oversight), and UofM as the Coordinating Center.
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    FDA Research Involving Drugs and Devices
    This course will review what research is subject to FDA oversight, highlight the differences between OHRP and FDA regulations, learn the responsibilities of sponsors, investigators, and the IRB when conducting and reviewing research involving drugs and devices, and examine the requirements for conducting research with a drug or biologic/medical device.
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    Featured Research News All Office of Research News A decorative image with blues, pinks, and aquas
    Office of Research
    Win a No-Cost, 4-Sample Single Cell RNA Sequencing Project
    Enter to win a no-cost, 4-sample single cell RNA sequencing project! 10x Genomics, in partnership with the BRCF Advanced Genomics Core, invites you to apply for a no-cost single cell RNA sequencing project. Four winners will be selected to receive a 4-sample project at no charge.
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    Office of Research
    BRCF Epigenomics Core Celebrated 10 Years
    The BRCF Epigenomics Core celebrated its tenth anniversary on June 16, showcasing its contributions to biomedical research. The symposium featured diverse studies, from monarch butterfly migration to pediatric and head and neck cancers, highlighting epigenomics' role in understanding disease and developing diagnostics. The Core aims to maintain leadership by advancing techniques like spatial epigenomics and epigenetic editing.
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    Office of Research
    BRCF Core Closures for the 4th of July Holiday
    In observance of Independence Day, several cores will be closed or have adjusted hours.