CHAIN is equipped with all the equipment necessary to maintain quality: storage facilities, pre-analytical processing tools, data recording and information sharing.
EQUIPMENTS
- Freezer -80ºC
- Back-up -80ºC Freezer
- Quick freezing unit (container for transporting liquid nitrogen)
- BSL-2 biosafety room
- LIMS software – LabCollector – for managing samples and clinical data
No fees are applied for the costs associated with maintaining equipment or personnel at CHAIN Biobank. However, there are costs associated with the services.
Researchers at NOVA Medical School and the Comprehensive Health Research Center are exempt from paying storage and request fees during the first two years (2023 and 2024), after which agreements will be reviewed individually.
SERVICES
- Storage and Provision of Biological Samples and Associated Clinical Data
The CHAIN Biobank offers access to high-quality human biological samples, such as blood, tissues, and derived products, along with associated clinical data. All materials are collected, processed, and stored under strict ethical and legal standards, ensuring their suitability for biomedical research and clinical studies.
- Molecular Biology: Custom development of primers and probes for PCR, RT-qPCR analysis to support a wide range of applications
CHAIN also provides molecular biology services with DNA and RNA extraction services, specific primers and probes designed to perform conventional PCR and real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). This service enables to support of a wide range of applications, from basic research to clinical diagnostics and the development of personalized therapies.
- Isolation, characterization, and storage of extracellular vesicles (EVs)
CHAIN is actively developing and implementing SOPs for the isolation, characterization, and storage of extracellular vesicles (EVs). These protocols ensure the integrity and reproducibility of EV-based research, supporting cutting-edge investigations into biomarkers, drug delivery systems, and therapeutic applications.
- Consulting and support for translational research
The CHAIN Biobank provides consulting services to support researchers in the design and implementation of study protocols across all stages of the project — from conception, sample collection, and processing to analysis — in collaboration with other HubP2C infrastructures.
In addition to the services provided, CHAIN users can request any of the other services available at NOVA Medical School's scientific infrastructures here, as well as transportation and/or collection services, with prices available on request.
CHAIN Biobank reserves the right to change the above-mentioned pricing policy at any time.