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 contact us 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 contact us 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

Survey and Study Design

REACH can assist investigators at any point in the process of project development, particularly for environmental health and epidemiologic studies. The REACH team includes epidemiologists, study coordinators, phlebotomists, program managers and experienced field staff who can assist you in planning process and support efficient study implementation and data collection.

Study Coordination and Recruitment

We handle all logistical aspects, from developing recruitment strategies to coordinating participant schedules and managing study materials. Our targeted recruitment efforts ensure a diverse and representative sample through personalized communication strategies. With our support, you can focus on the scientific aspects of your research while we ensure seamless operations, leading to meaningful insights and advancements in your field.

Community-Based Phlebotomy and Sample Collection

We bring research to communities around the state. Our staff conduct phlebotomy and biospecimens collection at local sites. In the past, these sites have included community centers, clinics, and churches in over 60 Wisconsin counties. Our local sites maximize convenience and accessibility for participants. This promotes diverse and inclusive research participation.

Data Collection

We offer survey data collection via online, mail, phone and in-person interviewing. Our team is trained in standardized interviewing and computer-assisted interviewing methods, as well as taking standardized physical measurements. We employ rigorous methodologies to gather accurate and reliable data, utilizing both traditional and innovative techniques. We prioritize data integrity and confidentiality, adhering to strict protocols to safeguard sensitive information and protect participants’ privacy.

Research Services Examples

Jump to:

Data Repository        Biorepository        Research Services