Research

Data Repository

Representative cohort of 5,846 adults and 980 minors (at enrollment) in Wisconsin.

Data from 2,000+ Survey Variables in the following Topic Areas:

The REACH Data Repository contains comprehensive information from more than 6,000 participants across Wisconsin, collected through multiple waves of detailed survey assessments. These surveys have produced an extensive dataset consisting of over 2,000 variables spanning more than 60 research domains. Researchers can explore variable‑level details through our Codebooks.

In addition, the repository incorporates data linkages, completed at multiple time points, with environmental exposure datasets, state vital records, and the Wisconsin Cancer Reporting System (WCRS). These integrated, multilevel data resources create robust opportunities for epidemiologic, clinical, and population health research for investigators at UW–Madison and collaborators nationwide.

Data Collection Methods

The Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW) conducted household-based surveys on representative samples of the general non‑institutionalized population of Wisconsin, encompassing residents from urban, suburban, and rural communities statewide. The surveys collected individual, household, and community-level data.

Publications outlining full survey methodologies are available for your review:

Requesting Data

The REACH program will share data with qualified researchers in accordance with HIPAA regulations and Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements, following a review of each request. Interested investigators should complete the Request Form to initiate an inquiry regarding access to the Data Repository.

Fee Structure for Data Requests from the Data Repository

Subject to fees and discounts

Biorepository

Sample Types

The REACH Program maintains an extensive biorepository of population-based biospecimens. Most specimens were collected through the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW) between 2008 and 2022. The biorepository includes only those samples obtained from participants who provided consent for long‑term storage and use in future, unspecified research.

• 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

• Complete blood count (CBC) with differential
• Serum glucose
• Serum cholesterol
• Serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)
• Serum triglycerides
• Serum creatinine
• Serum glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
• C-reactive protein (CRP)

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

Additional Test Results

We also maintain supplemental data generated by external investigators who have analyzed REACH biospecimens for their own research and subsequently shared their laboratory results with the program. These contributed datasets include laboratory assay results for specific subsets of samples, covering measures such as:

• 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.

Requesting Samples

The REACH program will share annotated biospecimens with qualified researchers in accordance with HIPAA regulations and Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements, following a review of each request. Interested investigators should complete the Request Form to initiate an inquiry regarding requesting Biospecimens.

Fee Structure for Data and Biospecimen

Research Services

Our team provides a range of services to support research at UW–Madison and collaborating institutions. We have established standardized workflows and templated documentation to ensure timely responses to research inquiries and the efficient delivery of high‑quality research services.

Study Design and Methodology 

The REACH team includes epidemiologists and data scientists who support investigators with comprehensive project planning. Our expertise includes the development of project proposals, Data Management and Sharing Plans (DMSP), study protocols and Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions.

Study Coordination and Participant Recruitment

Our trained project coordinators provide support in developing recruitment strategies and materials, as well as in creating survey instruments and designing and/or testing them within REDCap. Additionally, we assist with essential project logistics, including procurement of study supplies and the hiring and training of study personnel. Our extensive experience and tailored communication strategies contribute to consistently high participation rates across both urban and rural communities throughout the state.

Data and Biospecimen Collection 

We offer multi‑modal survey data collection services, including online (REDCap), mail‑based, and in‑person approaches. Our team is trained in obtaining objective physical measurements, performing phlebotomy, and collecting a wide range of biospecimens. To enhance participant convenience and accessibility, we provide options for biospecimen collection at local community sites. Additionally, we are pilot‑testing novel participant‑administered biospecimen collection methods to facilitate enrollment of individuals residing in remote areas of the state.

Data and Biospecimen Storage/Delivery  

We prioritize data integrity and participant confidentiality, adhering to rigorous protocols designed to safeguard sensitive information. All data are stored within a secure, SMPH‑maintained NIST‑ and HIPAA‑compliant cloud environment. Access is restricted to authorized members of the research team and qualified investigators, who connect through secure Virtual Machines. Within this environment, all necessary computing and analytical software are provided, enabling compliant analysis of PHI without the need to download data. Additionally, we maintain established data and biospecimen delivery pipelines that align with federal and state regulations, HIPAA requirements, and university policies.

Research Services Examples

Carbon monoxide awareness and detector use in the state of Wisconsin

Wisconsin microbiome study, a cross-sectional investigation of dietary fiber, microbiome composition and antibiotic-resistant organisms

Fees and Discounts

• UW-Madison Affiliates (15% discount)
• UWCCC Members (additional 15% discount)
• External Investigators: UW F&A rate applies

Definitions and Explanations

• UW-Madison Affiliates = University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty, staff, or students
• UWCCC Members = University of Wisconsin-Madison Carbone Cancer Center Members
• External Investigators: faculty, staff, or students not affiliated with University of Wisconsin-Madison

The sample identification fee covers the data team processing required to identify the sample upon which you want biospecimen for. This fee includes the following variables: age, gender, 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 biospecimen. Any additional variables requested will be acquired under a separate data request and are subject to our data request hourly rate.

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 (placing in coolers on wet or dry ice) for hand-off (pick up) or delivery to you or  lab.

The Biospecimen shipping covers materials and costs associated with shipping the samples to the location specified by the requestor. Any additional staff time used to prepare and ship samples will be charged under the biospecimen handling fee.

Oversight and Project Management costs include the time that REACH staff spent communicating with the requestor via email, virtual or in-person meetings, as well as the time spent on planning and oversight of biospecimen request.

Publications