The SRL is a publicly searchable web site where researchers can locate biospecimen resources that may have human specimens needed for their investigational use. It is a database that contains basic information about biospecimen collections as well as contact information and URL links for each resource.
No. The specimen collections and datasets listed in the SRL remain under the control of the resource owner. The resource owner makes all decisions regarding the process of sharing of the specimens or data. The NCI is not responsible for the quality of biospecimens and data provided by participating resources.
The SRL is available publicly on the Internet, so anyone may use it to search for biospecimen resources. However each resource lists only specimens they are willing to share. Resources indicate if there is a collaboration and/or fee requirement to obtain their specimens.
The SRL is administered by the NCI Cancer Diagnosis Program, Pathology Investigation and Resources Branch. The SRL is hosted and maintained by Information Management Services, Inc.
The SRL does not contain Protected Health Information (PHI). The SRL specimen information contains only descriptive, non-specific information (i.e., "metadata").
Browse to the SRL's Search page. The search may be performed using the following criteria: organ site, histology/tumor type, specimen type, preservation method, specimen annotation, your organization and participating resources.
The Tissue Expediter is a scientist who can assist in the event of an unsuccessful search in the SRL. Their contact information is posted in the SRL. Also the Expediter has knowledge of other potential resources and collaborations that maybe helpful to investigators using the SRL.
You may enter the collections electronically via a drop down menu, or complete and upload a CSV file. In the near future the SRL will provide an API method for collection entry as well.
There is no update requirement except that the NCI recommends updating at least once per year and when there are major changes to the specimen collections or resource contacts.
Resource participants may login to the SRL and click a button to remove their resource information, or they may contact the NCI Tissue Expediter for assistance with removing the information.
No. Every decision regarding access to your specimen collections is based on your resource access policies. You must ensure that any use is in keeping with the consent permissions and restrictions of the research participants that contributed to the resource.
No. There is no charge to contribute biospecimen collections and data or to search the SRL. However, there may be service fees to recover costs related to collection or sharing of the resource which are up to the resource owner.
