The Biospecimen Processing Lab (BSPL) performs specimen processing, sample storage, and shipping for a wide variety of clinical trials. Our services are available to all UCSF faculty, residents, research fellows, and collaborators who complete a CRS application and have an IRB approved protocol. Laboratory staff members are also available for custom assays and for consultation on budget inquiries.
Please contact [email protected] 14 business days prior to opening a study. A speedtype is required in order to provide services but we can assign a study ID and review materials in advance of final documents.
Scheduling a Visit with the Biospecimen Processing Lab
Services and Equipment
| Parnassus | Benioff Children's Hospital | Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building | Zuckerberg San Francisco General | |
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| Specimen aliquoting |  |
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| Serum/plasma separation | |
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| Buffy coat isolation | |
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| Blood smear preparations | |
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| Shipping | |
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| Short-term storage (12 months max.) | |
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| PBMC isolation | |
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Sample types:
- Blood
- Urine
- Saliva
- Buccal swabs
- Cerebrospinal fluid
- Stool
- Amniotic fluid
Equipment:
- 4°C, -20°C, and -80°C short-term storage available (12 month maximum)
- Liquid nitrogen storage tank
- -80°C freezers are connected to an alarm system, which is monitored continuously
- Daily temperature logs for refrigerators and freezers
- Calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment (freezers, centrifuges, biosafety cabinet, etc.) are performed regularly
Sample Management:
- Freezerworks software is used to create labels, manage inventory, and track samples
- See CRS Recharge Rates for sample storage costs
- Information regarding long-term storage can be found at the Biospecimen Processing Lab website
Program Name Change
Both the Biospecimen Services Program (BSP) and the Sample Processing Lab (SPL) were previously situated in two separate home departments (Cancer Center and CTSI, respectively), and operating as two separate groups offering numerous overlapping services. In 2022, the BSP transitioned from the Cancer Center into CTSI and is now housed in the same department as SPL.
We are excited to combine these two programs and services under one cohesive program with a new name, the Biospecimen Processing Lab (BSPL). This merger will standardize study initiation through a single entry point, operate under unified recharge rates, and standardize hours of operation. The merger will leverage the opportunity for cross coverage across labs, open up the potential for after-hours processing capabilities, as well as offer further potential growth across the UCSF campus.
The anticipated completion of the merger is July 1, 2023. In the short term, current recharge rates for studies onboarded through BSP and SPL will remain separate. Future recharge rates are expected to be competitive with the current rates. Additional updates (approved recharge rates, standardized hours of operation, etc.) will be provided through separate email communications and all merger communications will also be posted on the BSPL website.
Laboratory Hours and Staff
Hours and Locations:
UCSF Parnassus
513 Parnassus Ave
Medical Sciences Building, S1234
Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
415-476-2765
Ron Honrada / [email protected]
UCSF Mission Bay – PCRC
1825 4th Street
Ron Conway Gateway Medical Building, M6388
Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
415-502-9621
Zulma Finney / [email protected]
Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
1001 Potrero Avenue
Building 5, Unit 5B
Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
628-206-3327
Ron Honrada / [email protected]
UCSF Mission Bay – PCMB
1825 4th Street
Bakar Precision Cancer Medical Building, L5144
Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm
415-502-8516
Zulma Finney / [email protected]
San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center
4150 Clement Street MS 151CRO
Building 203, Room 1A-14
Tuesday – Thursday, 8am – 5pm
Ron Honrada / [email protected]
Laboratory Staff:
Manager: Ron Honrada
Lab Supervisors: Zulma Finney
Links
Questions?
Laboratory Contact:
Ron Honrada
[email protected]
415-218-3698
