Tayside Biorepository

Tayside Biorepository (TBR) is part of the national Scottish Biorepository network supported by the Chief Scientist Office and works closely with NHS Scotland to facilitate the availability of a  wide variety of human tissue for research from NHS patients undergoing procedures that result in tissue that otherwise would be discarded.

This includes fresh prospective collections, frozen banked (pathological and normal matched including bloods) and fixed tissue held within NHS Pathology diagnostic archive. Tissue type is dependent upon clinical speciality and resource to support projects.

Initial discussions are encouraged to ensure that feasibility and clinical support is in place and this can be done by contacting the manager of TBR. For further information and contact details, please visit the Tayside Biorepository website.

East of Scotland research ethics committee for Tayside has provided delegated ethical approval to Tayside Biorepository for those requests that require human tissue material that is surplus to diagnostic or surgical requirement.   

If you wish to use any of these materials you are required to fill out an online application form, which will be reviewed by the tissue access committee prior to ethical permission being provided.  If larger cohorts of tissue are required TBR shall work within the Scottish Biorepository network to extend approval across sites to acquire tissue from other health boards.
A large function of the bio-repository involves governance of human tissue work within Tayside and there may be some instances where studies do require  NHS REC approval.  If this is required Tayside Biorepository shall ensure that you are put in contact with the relevant departments within Tayside Medical Science Centre (TASC) in order to start this process successfully.