Biobanks

Important information for researchers

Mater Research operates and manages biobanks that collect a variety of specimens from consenting Mater patients as part of their treatment. These specimens are available for researchers to utilise for HREC approved projects.

Patients provide consent and specimens are collected by a qualified biobank staff member or by their treating physician. All clinical data and medical history is collected at the time of consent.

Specimens are processed onsite and safely stored in the biobank laboratory, based at the Mater South Brisbane Campus, which features:

  • 24 hour back-to-base alarms and remote monitoring
  • 24 hour temperature monitoring
  • 2 stage power back up system (local battery and building generators)
  • Emergency reserve freezers
  • Ambient, -20°C, -80°C and liquid nitrogen storage
  • Laboratory including blood and tissue processing equipment, dual fluorescence cell counting equipment, biohazard cabinets and tissue culture equipment

Biobanks at Mater Research