Important medical research is not possible without help from patients and volunteers. You are critical in our efforts to develop more effective methods for diagnosing, treating, and caring for persons with diseases and illnesses. Our doctors and scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) are always looking for patients who can assist us in developing the best possible treatments.
If you are a UTMB patient, you may be asked by your doctor to donate your leftover biological specimens (biospecimens) for medical research. These specimens will be stored in a Biorepository, or Biobank, for use in important medical and scientific research. Patients who choose to participate are asked to sign a consent form, which gives more information about the process. Some frequently asked questions are addressed below. More information is included in an educational brochure. Your participation is entirely voluntary and your medical care at UTMB will not be affected by your decision.