The REACH Program maintains an extensive biorepository of population-based biospecimen. Most of our specimens were collected as part of the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin project between 2008-2023 and are available to qualified researchers.

Our biorepository inventory contains only samples for participants who consented to have samples stored for future unspecified research. Our team is happy to discuss research ideas and share more information about the biorepository as you develop your research questions.

Request a Consult

Sample Types

• Serum: stored in 0.5 ml aliquots at -80°C
• Plasma: stored in 0.5 ml aliquots at -80°C
• Urine: stored in 1.5 ml aliquots at -80°C
• DNA: extracted from whole blood, stored at -80°C
• Stool: stored in >0.1g aliquots at -80°C

See detailed biospecimen collection, processing and storage protocols in Box.

Data Generated from Biosamples Analysis

Laboratory Test Results

Biospecimens are shipped in a timely manner for immediate testing and reporting on the following metrics:

• Complete blood cell count with differential
• Serum glucose
• Serum cholesterol
• Serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
• Serum triglycerides
• Serum creatinine
• Serum glycosylated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A1c)
• C-reactive protein (beginning in 2021)

For more details on the available results, please refer to the “Lab Results” survey topic in our Codebooks.

Additional Test Results

We have additional data from investigators who have analyzed our biospecimens for their own research and shared the results back with us. We have laboratory test results for subsets of samples on:

• Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
• Microbiome
• Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
• Multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs)

For more information on testing specimen for “C. Diff” and “Drug Resistant Organisms” please refer to those survey topics in our Codebooks. Otherwise, please request a consult if you are interested in these data.

Requesting Samples

The REACH program will share annotated biospecimens with qualified researchers in accordance with HIPAA and IRB guidance. We are currently developing our protocols for sharing annotated biospecimens. Please submit a consultation request if you are interested in accessing our Biorepository.

Fee Structure for Existing Samples Stored in Biorepository

Fees and Discounts

• Members of the UW Carbone Cancer Center receive a 15% discount on the total Biospecimen quote
• Investigators who are not affiliated with UW-Madison are subject to a 15% fee on the total Biospecimen quote

Definitions and Explanations

• The sample identification fee covers the data team processing required to identify the sample upon which you want biospecimens for. This fee includes the following variables: gender, age, race/ethnicity, household or individual income or poverty-to-income ratio, education level, sampling frame variables (if applicable), up to two geography variables (urbanicity, county, census tract, etc.), and up to four additional health conditions, behaviors, or other survey data needed to identify the sample to pull biospecimens. Any additional variables needed for analyses or research question will be acquired under a data request and are subject to our data request hourly rate of $125/hr.
• The Biospecimen handling covers the time our staff spend pulling the sample, tracking in our Freezerworks software, printing and relabeling samples, completing manifest form and preparing samples (often on wet or dry ice) in coolers for hand-off (pick up) or delivery to you or another lab on campus.
• The Biospecimen shipping covers materials needed and shipping costs associated with shipping the samples to location outside of UW-Madison campus. This covers materials and shipping costs. Any additional staff time used to prepare and ship samples will be charged under the  handling fee.
• Oversight and Project Management costs include the time spent communicating in email, virtual or in-person meetings with REACH staff and you (the requestor), as well as the oversight and decision-making regarding the request, including the QA/QC checks of the data sample identification, biospecimens pull and preparation.

Our team offers services to support health research in various ways. Let’s work together to advance community health through translational research.

Request a Consult

Study Design and Methodology 

The REACH team includes epidemiologists and data scientists who can assist investigators during study design. We can assist you with the development of project proposals, IRB applications, Data Management and Sharing Plans, analysis plans and manuscript writing.  

Study Coordination and Recruitment Across WI 

Our trained field staff and project coordinators can handle all logistical aspects, including developing recruitment strategies and materials, coordinating participant schedules and making payments. Our vast experience and personalized communication strategies ensure high participation rate from both urban and rural areas of the state.  

Data and Biospecimen Collection 

We offer multi-modal survey data collection services, including online (REDCap, Qualtrics), mail, phone, and in-person. Our team is also trained in taking objective physical measurements, phlebotomy and biospecimens collection. We offer an option for biospecimen collection at local sites to maximize convenience and accessibility for participants. We employ rigorous methodologies to gather accurate and reliable data and bring research to all communities across the state. 

Data Security and Confidentiality  

We prioritize data integrity and confidentiality, adhering to strict protocols to safeguard sensitive information and protect participants’ privacy.  

Research Services Examples