Skin Biorepository Core
The Skin Biorepository Core is a centralized shared resource dedicated to advancing dermatologic research through the collection, processing, storage, and distribution of high-quality skin and blood biospecimens.
By providing access to diverse, well-annotated specimens from individuals with and without skin disease, the Core supports a broad spectrum of basic, translational, and clinical research. Through partnerships with UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Parkland Health & Hospital System, the Core serves as a critical infrastructure resource for investigators seeking high-quality biospecimens and associated clinical data.
Skin Diseases
The Skin Biorepository Core supports research across a range of dermatologic conditions by providing access to well-annotated biospecimens from both affected individuals and Control Skin.
Current collections include specimens from patients with:
- Autoimmune blistering diseases
- Cutaneous lupus erythematosus
- Dermatomyositis
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
- Keloids
- Melanoma
- Non-melanoma skin cancers
- Psoriasis
In addition to disease-specific samples, the Core maintains normal skin specimens to support comparative and control-based studies.
The biorepository continues to expand its collections through ongoing clinical collaborations, with additional disease areas incorporated as new studies are developed.
Detailed Service Capabilities
Skin Sample Collection, Processing, and Storage
The Skin Biorepository Core provides access to skin tissue specimens, including:
- Prospectively collected fresh skin
- Archived Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) skin
- Archived Optimal Cutting Temperature (OCT) frozen skin
- Embedding
Fresh skin tissue may be collected and processed under standard or specialized protocols approved by core staff, with all activities coordinated closely with Core staff to ensure proper handling and timing.
Archived specimens can be suitable for histologic evaluation as well as molecular, genetic, and protein-based analyses. Availability of all skin specimens is dependent on sample availability.
- Tissue Services Pricing
Tissue Service UTSW Investigator External Investigator Commercial Investigator Fresh skin tissue aliquot $30.00 $60.00 $90.00 Additional fresh aliquot from same skin tissue $20.00 $40.00 $60.00 Archival FFPE skin tissue block $48.00 $96.00 $144.00 Additional archival FFPE skin block from same tissue $36.00 $72.00 $108.00 Archival frozen skin tissue block $36.00 $72.00 $108.00 Additional archival frozen skin block from same tissue $24.00 $48.00 $72.00 Skin Biorepository Core tissue block pull/refile charge (per block) $2.00 $4.00 $6.00
Staining and Sectioning
Available staining includes:
- Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining
- Cryosectioning
- Paraffin sectioning
- Preparation of unstained slides
H&E staining is performed using validated workflows to ensure consistent, high-quality results.
- Staining Services Pricing
Staining and Sectioning Services UTSW Investigator External Investigator Commercial Investigator Unstained slide containing one skin section $10.00 $20.00 $30.00 Unstained slide containing additional extra skin section $10.00 $20.00 $30.00 Unstained slide containing one skin skin section from outside hospital/center $33.00 $66.00 $99.00 Unstained slide containing additional extra skin section from outside hospital/center $12.00 $24.00 $36.00 H&E stained slide containing one skin skin section $12.00 $24.00 $36.00 H&E stained slide containing additional extra skin section $12.00 $24.00 $36.00 H&E stained slide containing one skin skin section from outside hospital/center $24.00 $48.00 $72.00 H&E stained slide containing additional extra skin section from outside hospital/center $10.00 $20.00 $30.00
Blood Sample Services
The Skin Biorepository Core provides comprehensive blood biospecimen services, including:
- Collection
- Processing
- Distribution
Processing Levels
Our processing services are available at varying levels of complexity:
- Simple Processing
- Single-spin centrifugation for serum or plasma
- PBMC Isolation
- Density gradient centrifugation for isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
Available Specimen Types
- Plasma
- Serum
- Buffy coat aliquots
- Viable PBMCs
These specimens support a wide range of research applications, including:
- Molecular studies
- Genetic analyses
- Functional assays
Note: Specimen availability depends on existing inventory and study approval.
- Blood Sample Services Pricing
Blood Services UTSW Investigator External Investigator Commercial Investigator Blood collection, unprocessed $44.00 $88.00 $132.00 Blood collection, simple blood processing $60.00 $120.00 $180.00 Blood collection, PBMC isolation $85.00 $170.00 $255.00 Archival Serum/aliquot 1mL $22.00 $44.00 $66.00 Archival Plasma/aliquot 1mL $20.00 $40.00 $60.00 Archival Buffy Coat/aliquot 1-4mL $35.00 $70.00 $105.00
Shipping Services
- Shipping Services Pricing
Shipping Services UTSW Investigator External Investigator Commercial Investigator Preparation for specimen shipping/sample $4.00 $8.00 $12.00
Access & Operations
All service requests, project coordination, and communication with the Core are managed through iLab, which provides a centralized system for submitting requests, tracking progress, and managing projects.
Contact
Need help starting or would like a quick consultation? Matthew.Mikhail@UTSouthwestern.edu Matthew Mikhail.