Serum, Plasma, and Urine Specimens

Serum, Plasma, and Urine Specimens Repository

Serum, plasma, and urine specimens are obtained from NHANES study participants ages six years and older who have given consent for their specimens to be used in future research studies. Serum specimens are currently available from NHANES III (Fall 1988 - Fall 1994); and serum, urine, and a limited amount of plasma specimens are available from continuous NHANES (1999 - present). Serum specimens are also available for participants ages 3-5 years. Serum specimens for participants ages 0-2 years are available only from NHANES 2003-2006. In total, we have over 1 million combined serum, plasma, and urine specimens available. Please see the specimen tables below for more information.

• Surplus Specimen Table [PDF - 34 KB]
• Pristine Specimen Table [PDF - 34 KB]
• Pristine and Surplus Specimen NHANES III Table [PDF - 48 KB]
• Surplus Specimen Ages 0-2 years Table [PDF - 41 KB]

 

Research Proposal Guidelines

• All proposals seeking the use of NHANES serum, plasma, or urine for research must not produce laboratory results that are clinically significant. Clinical significance is defined as:
  • The findings are valid and performed by a CLIA-certified laboratory,
  • The findings may have significant implications for the subjects' health concerns, and
  • A course of action is readily available to ameliorate or treat the concerns.
• All proposals will be evaluated by the NHANES Project Officer and a technical panel for scientific merit. The proposal is then reviewed by the NCHS Ethics Review Board (ERB) for any potential human subjects concerns.

Please see the Federal Register [PDF-84 KB] to submit a proposal and for evaluation criteria.

Please use the proposal template [PDF - 129 KB] to write your proposal.

Submit all proposals via email to NHANES Biospecimen Program

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the evaluation process?

The entire review process can range from 2-4 months.

What happens after my proposal is approved?

The NHANES Project Officer will contact you to arrange the transfer of specimens after the Materials Transfer Agreement (MTA) has been signed. An interagency agreement will be developed to transfer funds for federal agencies, or an invoice will be sent for the cost of the specimens for non-federal institutions.

What kind of studies can I do with the NHANES biospecimens?

NHANES is a nationally representative survey and biospecimens are best utilized to determine the prevalence of laboratory markers of public health concern using the survey sample weights. Case-control studies are discouraged.

How much does it cost to use stored biospecimens?

The current cost is $8.50 per vial.

Is there a time limit on how long I can use the serum, plasma, and urine specimens?

The ERB allows the protocol to continue for five years. If additional time is needed to complete the research, a new protocol must be submitted.

 

Data Documentation Files using Serum, Plasma, and Urine Specimens

 

 

Publications Using Serum, Plasma, and Urine Specimens

A list of publications using data resulting from collected Sera, Plasma, and Urine specimens.