Biomedical Specimens and Population Research

Many CPC projects incorporate biomedical specimen collection and assays in their research. The extensive expansion of the field of biochemical and molecular assessment of health allows population researchers to use new indicators that can measure exposure to an adverse external agent, subclinical health effects or disease status, or innate susceptibility to health effects.

A wide range of population-related research issues can benefit from integrating biological assessment of research study participants, such as studies of

SNPs: Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms. Courtesy: U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs.

• aging
  
• burden of disease 
• developmental processes 
• evaluation of interventions
• nutritional status
  
• perinatal, child, and reproductive health 

CPC research projects have access to staff who can assist the research team in collecting biological specimens to address their research aims. Services include advice, referral, and updates and training in new developments in biomedical assessment and interpretation, along with advice about protocols for collection, storage, and management of specimens.