Scientific technology & expertise
Westmead Biobanking
Westmead Biobank, an NSW Health Pathology Biobank Certification Program-certified biobank, offers centralised facilities and services to research groups and biobanks within and beyond the Westmead Research Hub.
Services
Biospecimen receipt
Biobank staff are on-call for receipt of specimens.
Delivery to WIMR by courier
Delivery to Biobank lab in person (WIMR level 2)
Biobank staff pick up at collection point on Westmead Health Precinct.
Biospecimen processing
Blood fractionation – Our biobank can aliquot serum, plasma and buffy coat fractionations.
PBMC isolation – Our biobank currently utilises Ficoll-Paque™ and SepMate™ methods for isolation of PBMCS and can cater to your study needs using other forms of PBMC isolation if preferred.
DNA / RNA extractions – Our biobank performs DNA and RNA extractions using established kits such as those from QIAGEN and Zymo Research. We can also optimise and validate protocols for kits of your choice, accommodating a wide range of starting materials provided.
Sample dispatch and shipping
Sample retrieval from Biobank storage facilities
Coordination of local and international sample shipments
Same day shipment option available
Storage facilities and retrieval
The Biobank storage facility can cater to various storage condition requirements.
Askion C-Line HS200S
Home to Australia’s 1st automated cryogenic storage system with a 24-hour monitoring and alarm response.
For sample types such as tissue, cells, and other sample types.
Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer
Dedicated 24-hour monitored freezers for long-term preservation of high value biospecimens.
For sample types such as blood fractionations, DNA, and RNA samples.
Controlled Ambient
A temperature- and humidity-regulated space with block drawers and slide cabinets.
For sample types such as FFPE blocks, slides, and blood spot cards.
Data Management
A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is utilised to securely handle data.
Access Guide
Step 1: Fill up and sign a “Notice of Intention to Engage Westmead Biobank Services“
Step 2: Add Westmead Biobank to the study (HREC).
Westmead Research Hub (WRH) Facilities
Westmead Biobank is one of nine core facilities at Westmead precinct. WRH core facilities are available for all WRH researchers, external researchers and industry partners. Learn more about what our other facilities have to offer.
Contact us
For more information on Westmead Research Hub facilities, contact our team at:
westmead.biobank@wimr.org.au
Location
The Biobank Facility is located on Level 2 of the Westmead Institute for Medical Research.