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Biobanking Resource Laboratory

Biobanking logo in red

Goals

To create and support a Snyder Institute biobanking network with shared knowledge, standard operating procedures and visibility/marketing. Each biobank will operate independently but receive administrative, and technical support to harmonize operating procedures, best practices, and ultimately lead to accreditation and certification.


To create a fee for service biobanking service available to all researchers who require collection and storage of human biospecimens.


Biobanking Resource Laboratory Information

Image of biobanking freezer

Services

  • Access and training to secure Freezerworks sample management system (server)
  • Biobank Certification Assistance
  • Biobanking Ethics expertise
  • Sample Processing
  • Access to barcoding/labeling and scanning system:
  • 2D barcode rack scanner
  • Zebra ZD621 Labeler
  • Handheld scanner
  • Access to Smart-Vue Monitoring system
  • Temperature recordings and alarms 
Tube for biobanking

Key Areas of Expertise

Our participating biobanks are active in the following areas of research:

  • Chronic Kidney Disease
  • Neonatal and Preterm Births
  • Microbiome
  • Intestinal Diseases
  • Autoimmune Diseases
  • Respiratory Conditions 
tubes

Select Publications

  • Development of metabolic and inflammatory mediator biomarker phenotyping for earlydiagnosis and triage of pediatric sepsis. Crit Care. 2015 Sep 9;19:320.
  • Corticosteroid-induced gene expression in allergen-challenged asthmatic subjects taking inhaled budesonide. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165: 1737-47.
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Contact

Samantha McCain

Biobank Research Coordinator

Snyder Biobanking Resource Laboratory

samantha.mccain@ucalgary.ca 

Office: 403-210-8632

 

Graciela Andonegui, PhD

Program Manager

Department of Medicine

andonegu@ucalgary.ca 


Pic of Sam

Core Personnel

Samantha McCain, BSc

Samantha McCain is the Biobank Research Coordinator for the Snyder Institute. She holds a BSc in Medical Sciences (Honours) from Brock University. Samantha brings a strong foundation in both scientific knowledge and administrative expertise to her role. Since joining the team, Samantha has been instrumental in coordinating research projects and overseeing biobanking procedures, ensuring compliance with Good Clinical Practices. She has attended specialized training for the Freezerworks management system, aiming to become an expert of its use, which is crucial for the secure and efficient cataloguing of samples. Samantha's focus is on certifying biobanks and enhancing the systematic management of biospecimens. Looking ahead, she plans to certify all biobanks within the Snyder Institute and play a key role in launching new biobanking projects.