Requesting Tissue Samples

The Southwest Brain Bank (SWBB) supports scientific research by providing access to high-quality postmortem brain tissue and associated clinical documentation for approved research projects. Researchers requesting tissue samples must submit the following materials for review.

How to Submit a Request

Complete the Southwest Brain Bank Tissue Request Form and submit it by email or fax, along with the following supporting documents:

Required Supporting Documents

• A list of approved research funding, including federal grant numbers, foundation or private funding, current collaborations, or mentor–trainee affiliations.
• An abstract or specific aims document describing the proposed research, including:
  • Brief background
  • Project goals and objectives
  • Experimental design
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) or NIH biosketch.

Review and Approval Process

All tissue requests are reviewed by the Southwest Brain Bank. If your request is approved, you must review and sign a Materials Transfer Agreement (MTA) before tissue can be distributed.

The MTA includes the following agreements:

• Human Tissue Handling Risks and Safety Precautions Statement – Acknowledges your responsibility to understand and follow appropriate safety standards for handling human postmortem brain tissue and protecting laboratory personnel.
• Single Use Agreement – Confirms that tissue samples will not be redistributed to colleagues or other investigators and that all additional tissue requests will be directed to the Southwest Brain Bank.
• Southwest Brain Bank Acknowledgement Agreement – Requires acknowledgment of the Southwest Brain Bank and its applicable federal grant number in publications resulting from the use of SWBB tissue.

Contact

Submit the completed Tissue Request Form and all required supporting documentation by email or fax to the Southwest Brain Bank. Please contact the SWBB team if you have any questions about the tissue request process