BC Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic (GIP) Biobank

The BC Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic (GIP) Biobank will enable us to build up a large collection of samples, including tissue and blood, donated from people with pancreatic disease. The Biobank also collects some information about the health and treatment of each person. This is a valuable resource for research into pancreatic disease, including the causes, development, diagnosis and treatment.

1. Purpose

Researchers can apply to the Biobank for samples and information to use in a pancreatic disease research project. Before material is released for research, each project must be formally reviewed. Researchers do not receive any personal information about the people who donate samples to the Biobank.

2. Biobank Donors:

We invite anyone with pancreatic disease treated at participating centres to become donors.

Participation is entirely voluntary. We encourage potential donors to speak to their families and/or friends before deciding to take part.

3. Types of Samples:

When pancreatic surgery is performed, the tissue removed is examined by a pathologist. The remainder is either stored in the Pathology Department or discarded.

If a patient is interested in donating to the Biobank, we collect and store small samples of tissue that are not needed.

We also gather blood samples from the donor, as well as information from their health records that will be useful for future research.

4. Types of Research:

The Biobank only supports pancreatic research. The samples and information are used to improve our understanding of pancreatic disease and help patients in the future.

5. More Information & Contact Us:

If you are interested in taking part in the Biobank, you will be given a Participant Information Sheet with more details. If you decide to participate, you will also be asked to sign a consent form.

If you would like further information about the GI Biobank, please ask your doctor or research study coordinator.