Biorepository
Overview
The Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) Biorepository (BioR) is a cornerstone of biomedical and translational research within the HMH network. Our state-of-the-art facilities provide the critical infrastructure to collect, process, store, and distribute a wide range of high-quality human biospecimens, empowering researchers to make groundbreaking discoveries and improve patient outcomes.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to excellence. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance and patient privacy, ensuring that all biospecimens are collected and managed responsibly and ethically. Through secure storage and data integration, the HMH BioR provides researchers with the invaluable resources they need to advance scientific knowledge and translate discoveries into next-generation treatments.
To meet the diverse needs of the research community, the HMH BioR features four specialized facilities strategically located across the network. Each facility is equipped with advanced technology and staffed by a team of experts, ensuring that your specimen receives the highest level of care from collection to analysis.
Our facilities are located at:
- HMH Riverview Medical Center (RMC- Red Bank)
- HMH Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC- Hackensack)
- HMH JFK University Medical Center (JFK- Edison)
- HMH Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC- Neptune)
Biospecimen Types
HMH BioR manages a diverse portfolio of human biological materials to fuel a wide range of research initiatives. We are equipped to handle numerous specimen types, including both tissues and body fluids, collected under approved protocols to support the study of various health conditions and diseases.
Data and Specimen Management
A key feature of the HMH BioR is our robust bioinformatics department. This team is responsible for the secure and responsible integration of de-identified data associated with our biospecimens. Their expertise allows for:
- Data Maintenance and Aggregation: Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of all associated data.
- Advanced Data Queries: Enabling researchers to identify specific cohorts and samples based on detailed criteria.
- Data Mapping: Integrating information across our Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and EPIC electronic health record system.
- Clinical Summaries: Providing de-identified clinical summaries to accompany biospecimens, offering valuable context for research studies.
Regulatory Compliance
At every stage, from collection to distribution, HMH BioR operates in accordance with institutional policies and federal regulations governing human subject research. Our activities are conducted under the oversight of the Institutional Review Board (IRB), HIPAA privacy protections, and established ethical standards, ensuring that patient rights and data privacy are always protected.
Investigators Resources
The BioR provides infrastructure and operational support for research studies across the HMH network. More about requesting specimens and more information about how we can support researchers’ needs can be found here.
Participant Resources
Patients may be presented with the opportunity to donate biospecimens to support approved research initiatives. Participation is entirely voluntary and has no bearing on the clinical care provided by Hackensack Meridian Health. More participant information is found here.
For more information about the HMH Biorepository Program Operations Office services, please contact HMHBioR@hmhn.org