The NIGMS Human Genetic Cell Repository (NIGMS Repository) at the Coriell Institute for Medical Research (Coriell) relies on submitters to help build our collection of well-characterized cell lines and DNA representing hundreds of heritable diseases and chromosomal abnormalities. If you submit a sample to the NIGMS Repository, you will be entitled to one FREE sample from the NIGMS Repository online catalog. You may choose as your free sample any cell line or DNA sample with a value equal to or less than that of the cell line established from your submission.* To encourage the storage of valuable samples in the Repository, you will have the option to request that release of cell lines to other investigators be delayed for up to 1 year.
*You will be responsible for shipping charges.

1. Contact us at NIGMS@coriell.org or 1-856-757-9690 BEFORE collecting any samples to determine eligibility. Generally, we accept the following:

   Diagnoses: Any heritable disorder or chromosomal abnormality

   Donor types: Affected individuals and closely related blood relatives

   Sample types: Blood, skin biopsies, existing early-passage growing cell cultures or frozen cell lines, and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines

2. Collect Samples

   The NIGMS Repository is able to provide blood and biopsy sample collection kits. Kits contain collection tubes, required paperwork, shipping materials, and a pre-paid FedEx return air bill.

   If blood or biopsy samples must be collected immediately, they can be collected using your collection containers. Required paperwork may be downloaded from the NIGMS Repository website. We will provide our FedEx account number to cover the cost of shipping the sample(s) to Coriell. Collect the samples as follows:

   Blood: Draw blood into two 10ml ACDA yellow top tubes for adults or two 5 ml EDTA purple top tubes for children. A minimum of 4 ml is needed to establish a cell line.
   
   

   Biopsy: Place a 3-4 mm skin punch biopsy in a 15 ml screw-top vial or T25 culture flask with culture medium containing 100 units/ml of penicillin and 100 micrograms/ml of streptomycin.
   
   

   Existing Cell Lines: Send two T25 flasks of growing cultures or 2 vials of frozen cells on dry ice.

   All samples must be labeled with the date of collection and an identifying number or code. Any personal identifiers will be removed from samples and paperwork upon receipt at Coriell. All samples will be assigned a repository number, which is provided to the submitter.

3. Complete Required Paperwork

   Completion of the following documents is required in order for samples to be considered for acceptance into the NIGMS Repository.

   Instructions for how to complete the required paperwork are enclosed in the kits and can also be downloaded.

   Informed Consent Form:

   If you are at an institution with an IRB, you must submit an unsigned copy of the IRB-approved consent form used to consent the sample donor.

   If you are NOT at an institution with an IRB, you must submit a signed copy of the NIGMS Human Genetic Cell Repository Informed Consent Form or the NIGMS Human Genetic Cell Repository Informed Consent Form for the Transfer of Existing Specimens must be submitted.

   Assent Form (if applicable):

   If you are at an institution with an IRB, you must submit an unsigned copy of the IRB-approved assent form used to obtain the sample donor’s assent.

   If you are NOT at an institution with an IRB, you must submit a signed copy of the NIGMS Human Genetic Cell Repository Assent Form.

   Submission Form:

   You must complete and sign the NIGMS Human Genetic Cell Repository Submission Form. A family pedigree can be attached to this document, if appropriate.

   For the submission of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines, the Coriell Cell Repositories Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Submission Form must be completed and signed.

   Clinical Data Elements Form:

   In order for a sample to be accepted into the NIGMS Repository, we must have clinical and/or laboratory documentation of the sample donor’s diagnosis. For chromosomally aberrant submissions, please enclose a copy of the karyotype, FISH analysis and/or microarray report.

   For heritable diseases for which mutations have been identified, please enclose copies of the test reports documenting identified mutations.

   To document clinical and laboratory data, a General Clinical Data Elements Form is available.

   For some diagnoses, customized clinical data elements forms are available

   Chromosomal Abnormality Clinical Data Elements

   Neurology Clinical Data Elements for CMD Biobank

   Rett Syndrome Clinical Data Elements

   Smith-Magenis Syndrome Clinical Data Elements

4. Ship Samples and Completed Required Paperwork to Coriell

   Coriell is only able to receive sample shipments Monday through Friday. Please avoid collecting samples on Fridays.

   Ship samples immediately after collection via FedEx Priority Overnight delivery to:
    Coriell Cell Repositories
    403 Haddon Avenue
    Camden, New Jersey 08103
   

   Blood must be kept at room temperature. Do NOT refrigerate blood as this makes the sample unusable.

   Biopsy samples may be refrigerated after collection until the time of shipment.

5. Contact us at NIGMS@coriell.org or 1-856-757-9690 to notify us of your incoming shipment.