The Rhode Island BioBank is currently enrolling participants!
Click here for more details.
What is a biobank?
A biobank is a facility that collects, processes, stores and distributes biological samples for
research purposes. The most commonly stored biological samples are blood products and DNA. But
other samples types are also stored, such as urine, saliva and tumor samples. The samples can be
linked to medical and lifestyle information about the participant. Biobanking often includes
regular contact with the research participant, in order to get up to date information on their
health.
Why a BioBank in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is a state in a unique position for the establishment of a biobank. The state is
small, and the population is fairly dense (people live close together), which makes communication
easier and community involvement more likely. Many residents of Rhode Island have large families,
and more than half of the people born in Rhode Island live their whole lives here. This pattern
makes it easier for our study staff to contact residents in the future, in order to continue
their participation in biobank research. The Rhode Island BioBank (RIBB) will serve as a resource
for researchers at Brown University, local area hospitals and beyond.