The research response to the COVID-19 outbreak has been overwhelming.  Many investigators would like to collect biospecimens on COVID-19 patients in order to better understand and treat the disease.  The research around this disease is a new frontier as investigators from multiple disciplines are interested in studying the same patients, and biological specimens from these patients pose significant issues in collection and processing.  The COVID-19 Biospecimen Repository committee has been established at the direction of UPMC leadership to maximize ability to collect samples, allow broad access to as many investigators as possible, and protect patients.  This effort is meant to be inclusive of the research community while balancing safety and feasibility. 

We request that you complete this survey in order for us to understand sampling needs and prioritize requests.  Please note, this information is different from that requested by the CTSI and will be needed to guide sample acquisition and disbursement. 

Overview of biorepository:

• Blood samples will be obtained from individuals with COVID-19 or who are PUIs at admission, day 5, and day 10 of hospitalization if they remain in-house.  These time frames are approximate.
• Specimens for plasma, serum, DNA, and PBMCs will be obtained and aliquoted.
• Excess blood and other samples from clinical testing will be obtained.
• Urine and stool samples will be collected.
• If investigators want different samples or timing of samples, we will work with those investigators to accommodate their requests.  Depending on the nature of the request, the investigator may be asked to provide supplies or assistance for collection.
• Please contact Alison Morris (morrisa@upmc.edu) with questions or to discuss specific sampling proposals.

Biospecimens COVID-19 Committee:

Alison Morris, MD, MS
Professor of Medicine, Immunology, and Clinical and Translational Research
Division Chief, Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine
Director, Center for Medicine and the Microbiome
Vice Chair for Clinical Research, Department of Medicine
UPMC Chair in Translational Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

Steven Reis, MD
Associate Vice Chancellor for Clinical Research, Health Sciences
Director, University of Pittsburgh Clinical & Translational Institute
Professor of Medicine and Emergency Medicine
Director, LHAS Women’s Heart Center

Clifton Calloway, MD, PhD
Executive Vice-Chair of Emergency Medicine
Professor (tenured) of Emergency Medicine
Ronald D. Stewart Endowed Chair of Emergency Medicine Research

Derek Angus, MD, MPH
Distinguished Professor and Mitchell P. Fink Endowed Chair, Critical Care Medicine
Secondary appointments: Medicine, Health Policy & Management, and Clinical & Translational Science

Sherry Chou, MD, MMSC
Associate Professor of Critical Care Medicine, Neurology, and Neurosurgery

Matthew Neal, MD
Roberta G. Simmons Assistant Professor of Surgery

Bryan McVerry, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, and Clinical and Translational Science