Question 1

Where can I get biospecimens or medical datasets for research?

Accepted Answer

There are several ways to source biospecimens or medical datasets, including from commercial biobanks, academic or medical centers with biorepositories, and marketplaces. Matchmaking services like Specie Bio’s BioExchange allow you to search for samples and datasets across a global network of providers with a single search, streamlining the process.

Question 2

Where can I get samples or medical datasets for research?

Accepted Answer

There are several ways to source samples or medical datasets, including from commercial biobanks, academic or medical centers with biorepositories, and marketplaces. Matchmaking services like Specie Bio’s BioExchange allow you to search for samples and datasets across a global network of providers with a single search, streamlining the process.

Question 3

What types of biospecimens are available for research?

Accepted Answer

Researchers can access a wide range of biospecimens, including whole blood, plasma, serum, cord blood, buffy coat, PBMCs, bone marrow, mononuclear cells, urine, saliva, tissues (fresh, frozen, or FFPE) including tumors, ascites, stool, respiratory fluid, reproductive fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, DNA, and RNA. Platforms like Specie Bio’s BioExchange enable quick searches across millions of samples to find those that meet your study criteria.

Question 4

What types of samples are available for research?

Accepted Answer

Researchers can access a wide range of samples, including whole blood, plasma, serum, cord blood, buffy coat, PBMCs, bone marrow, mononuclear cells, urine, saliva, tissues (fresh, frozen, or FFPE) including tumors, ascites, stool, respiratory fluid, reproductive fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, DNA, and RNA. Platforms like Specie Bio’s BioExchange enable quick searches across millions of samples to find those that meet your study criteria.

Question 5

What is the cost of getting biospecimens?

Accepted Answer

Costs for biospecimens can vary widely. Matchmaking platforms like Specie Bio’s BioExchange help researchers find samples that meet their budgetary needs. The cost depends on the biospecimen type, associated clinical data, and clinical availability. Academic and non-profit institutes typically charge based on operational costs, while commercial biobanks may have higher costs.

Question 6

What is the cost of getting samples?

Accepted Answer

Costs for samples can vary widely. Matchmaking platforms like Specie Bio’s BioExchange help researchers find samples that meet their budgetary needs. The cost depends on the sample type, associated clinical data, and clinical availability. Academic and non-profit institutes typically charge based on operational costs, while commercial biobanks may have higher costs.

Question 7

How much clinical data do biospecimens typically come with?

Accepted Answer

The level of clinical data varies. Typically, biospecimens include high-level demographic and diagnosis information. More detailed data, such as treatment history and multimodal data, can be harder to access through commercial providers. Matchmaking platforms that connect researchers directly with hospitals and medical providers, like BioExchange, can facilitate access to richer sample annotations.

Question 8

How much clinical data do samples typically come with?

Accepted Answer

The level of clinical data varies. Typically, samples include high-level demographic and diagnosis information. More detailed data, such as treatment history and multimodal data, can be harder to access through commercial sample providers. Matchmaking platforms that connect researchers directly with hospitals and medical providers, like BioExchange, can facilitate access to richer sample annotations.

Question 9

What is the quickest way to get biospecimens or datasets?

Accepted Answer

Timelines for acquiring biospecimens and datasets depend on the type and rarity of the samples and the procurement process. Traditional sourcing can take months. With Specie Bio’s BioExchange, researchers can connect directly with matched providers and access materials in days or weeks through a streamlined agreement process.

Question 10

What is the quickest way to get samples or datasets?

Accepted Answer

Timelines for acquiring samples and datasets depend on the type and rarity of the samples and the procurement process. Traditional sourcing can take months. With Specie Bio’s BioExchange, researchers can connect directly with matched providers and access materials in days or weeks through a streamlined agreement process.

Question 11

Can I get biospecimens or datasets with specific criteria (rare disease, demographics, etc)?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the source. Matchmaking platforms like BioExchange allow researchers to connect directly with providers to match detailed criteria such as medical history, genetic profile, demographics, or treatment outcomes, enabling searches across global networks for specific human biospecimens.

Question 12

Can I get samples or datasets with specific criteria (rare disease, demographics, etc)?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the source. Matchmaking platforms like BioExchange allow researchers to connect directly with providers to match detailed criteria such as medical history, genetic profile, demographics, or treatment outcomes, enabling searches across global networks for specific human samples.

Question 13

What is Specie Bio?

Accepted Answer

Specie Bio provides a digital platform, BioExchange, to streamline the exchange of biospecimens and datasets between researchers and a global network of healthcare providers, research institutions, and biobanks. It uses AI-driven search to find materials that meet desired criteria, facilitating more efficient access and accelerating delivery through streamlined procurement.

Question 14

How does BioExchange work?

Accepted Answer

Researchers use BioExchange’s AI-powered search to find providers for their biospecimen or dataset needs. After a request is submitted, Specie Bio confirms the match with the providers and connects the researcher directly with the matched provider to proceed with a streamlined agreement process for sample and data exchange.

Question 15

How is BioExchange different from other sources of datasets and biospecimens?

Accepted Answer

BioExchange offers a single AI-powered search across a global provider network. Unlike traditional biobanks and marketplaces, it connects you directly with providers who meet your budget, streamlines the agreement process, and provides access to richer clinical data, enabling research to begin in days or weeks instead of months.

Question 16

What types of biospecimens can be accessed using BioExchange?

Accepted Answer

Researchers can access a variety of sample types, including whole blood, plasma, serum, cord blood, buffy coat, PBMCs, bone marrow, mononuclear cells, urine, saliva, tissues (fresh, frozen, or FFPE), tumors, ascites, stool, respiratory fluid, reproductive fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, DNA, and RNA, along with associated clinical and multi-omic data where available.

Question 17

What types of datasets can be accessed using BioExchange?

Accepted Answer

Researchers can request and access various data types, including genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, multiomics, next-generation sequencing (NGS), medical imaging data, molecular tests, digital pathology, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) data.

Question 18

How long does it take to get biospecimens or datasets using BioExchange?

Accepted Answer

The time frame depends on the request's complexity and the provider's turnaround time. Typically, preliminary matches with partner providers are confirmed, and a response to your request is provided within 1-3 weeks. If no immediate matches are found, the search continues with newly onboarded providers and samples.

Question 19

Where are biospecimens and datasets on BioExchange sourced from?

Accepted Answer

Specie Bio partners with a rapidly expanding global network of health systems, research institutes, medical institutes, mission-driven organizations, and biobanks, which includes millions of available specimens and data from tens of millions of annual patient visits.

Question 20

What is the cost of biospecimens through BioExchange?

Accepted Answer

Specie Bio uses the budget information in a request to match you with suitable providers. The provider partners set their own fees, often to cover operational costs. Specie Bio charges a standard fee only if you proceed with one of the matched providers.

Question 21

How does our hospital, medical center, or research institution become part of Specie Bio’s provider network?

Accepted Answer

There are three main steps: 1. Onboard as a Provider Partner and specify the samples and datasets you wish to contribute. 2. Review and confirm researcher requests that are automatically matched to your inventory by our AI engine. 3. Connect directly with the selected researcher to finalize the agreement and exchange materials.

Question 22

Does Specie Bio procure/store samples?

Accepted Answer

No, Specie Bio is a matching platform and does not handle biospecimens or data. We identify and finalize matches and then connect the researcher directly with our provider partner for the exchange.

Question 23

Is Specie Bio a broker?

Accepted Answer

No, Specie Bio is not a broker, as we do not procure samples or data. We are a matching platform that uses the cost and terms set by our provider partners for the matching process.

Question 24

Why should our hospital, medical center, or research institution join BioExchange as a Partner Provider?

Accepted Answer

Joining BioExchange maximizes the visibility and impact of your biospecimens and clinical data by connecting you directly with researchers. Our platform automates and streamlines the matching process, reducing your operational burden. This not only accelerates clinical R&D but also creates a sustainable funding stream for your institution.

Turn biospecimens and data inventories into research collaborations

Three steps from inventory to exchange

01

Share your metadata

02

Select your matches

03

Exchange samples & data

"With Specie, we've been able to source cohorts of donor samples with clinical data attached, prospectively collect rare sample types, and we've done it within an aggressive budget and tight timelines."

"Every time we have new studies ourselves or with pharma, we always search with Specie Bio first."

"The paperwork for MTAs has been very easy to work with and the Specie team has helped us find samples we weren't sure could be sourced."

A novel platform built for providers

Sustainable funding

Maintain privacy & control

Reduced operational burden

Transparent exchanges

No cost to join

Frequently Asked Questions

Put your collection to work.

Turn biospecimens and data inventories into research collaborations

Three steps from inventory to exchange

01

Share your metadata

02

Select your matches

03

Exchange samples & data

"With Specie, we've been able to source cohorts of donor samples with clinical data attached, prospectively collect rare sample types, and we've done it within an aggressive budget and tight timelines."

"Every time we have new studies ourselves or with pharma, we always search with Specie Bio first."

"The paperwork for MTAs has been very easy to work with and the Specie team has helped us find samples we weren't sure could be sourced."

A novel platform built for providers

Sustainable funding

Maintain privacy & control

Reduced operational burden

Transparent exchanges

No cost to join

Frequently Asked Questions

Who sees our inventory?

Is there a cost to join?

How is the sample/data/service cost determined?

Are we obliged to accept matched requests?

What does onboarding require from our IT team?

How do consent and use restrictions apply?

Can we contribute datasets only?

Put your collection to work.