iSpecimen and TriCore Reference Laboratories Announce Collaboration to Make Human Biospecimens and Data Available for Research

LEXINGTON, Mass. and ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Nov. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- iSpecimen®, a trusted source of customized human biospecimen collections, and TriCore Reference Laboratories (TriCore), New Mexico's largest commercial reference lab, today announced an agreement through which iSpecimen will serve as a TriCore channel partner for making patient biospecimens and associated data available for research. iSpecimen's cloud-based technology will be used to tap into the flow of patients, specimens, and data running through the TriCore organization, matching researchers with a variety of annotated, de-identified samples to fuel their studies.

With the surge of precision medicine, scientists are increasingly in need of human biospecimens that match specific patient and specimen criteria, across variables such as laboratory results, demographics, disease states, and treatment histories. Further, researchers have specific study protocols that dictate whether they can use clinical remnants, samples stored in biobanks, or those collected prospectively and specifically for research. TriCore presents a unique opportunity to identify and collect a wide variety of specimen types with its on-site biorepository and over 50 patient collection sites where patients may consent to participate in prospective research collections.

"TriCore has been a long-time supporter of the advancement of biomedical research," shared Eric Carbonneau, MS, MT (ASCP), Director of Core Lab Operations & Research Institute at TriCore. "The new agreement with iSpecimen will allow us to expand our reach across the scientific community, providing specimens directly for the discovery of new diagnostics and therapeutics. The increased visibility for TriCore with researchers throughout the country will also allow us to participate in more translational research and clinical trials which in turn, will bring more jobs and growth from outside New Mexico."

"Collaborating with TriCore is a milestone achievement for us," said Christopher Ianelli, MD, PhD, CEO, at iSpecimen. "Their specimen volume and diversity will be appealing for many different types of research and their reputation as a testing powerhouse speaks to the quality and efficiency of their practices. We are really excited to begin technology implementation and start matching researchers with the specimens they need with the characteristics they want." 

About TriCore Reference Laboratories
TriCore Reference Laboratories was established in 1998 through a joint partnership with Presbyterian Healthcare Services (PHS) and University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (UNMHSC). Synergies were created that continue to exist today with these three organizations sharing the common goals of improving quality of care, improving the health of the populations we serve, increasing efficiencies and reducing costs. TriCore also provides investigational services including FDA-regulated clinical trials, IRB-approved studies, device and diagnostic instrument testing, serving global biotech firms as well as academic clients. Visit www.tricore.org for more information.

About iSpecimen
Privately held and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts, iSpecimen is a trusted, one-stop source of customized human biospecimen collections. Compliantly sourced from our diverse partner network of hospitals, labs, biorepositories, blood centers, and other organizations, our solid tissue, biofluids, and cells are delivered directly into the hands of researchers using unique, turnkey technology. Scientists gain access to a ready supply of the high-quality, richly-annotated biospecimens they need from the patients they want. Supply partners gain an opportunity to further contribute to biomedical discovery as well as their bottom line. And ultimately, healthcare advances for all. For more information about iSpecimen, please visit www.ispecimen.com.

SOURCE iSpecimen

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