How We Use OpenSpecimen at the UMB Biobank
OpenSpecimen is the system we use to manage everything that happens to a biospecimen once it arrives at the UMB BioBank—collection, processing, storage, and distribution. Every sample is barcoded, fully traceable, and connected to detailed metadata, including collection details, patient demographics, and clinical annotations.
It’s also the platform researchers use to explore our inventory and request samples for their studies.
What You Can Do in the UMB Specimen Catalog
Using the OpenSpecimen Catalog, researchers can:
- Search available specimens by type (PBMCs, plasma, serum, DNA, RNA, tissues, and more).
- Filter samples based on cohort, demographics, collection visit, storage temperature, or study.
- Check real-time inventory to confirm current availability prior to requesting samples.
- Submit and track specimen requests through a guided, automated workflow with approval checkpoints.
Browse Our Catalog
See the video below on how to navigate our catalog:
What We Store
Whole blood
Serum, Plasma
PBMCs, Buffy coats
Tissue
Urine
DNA, RNA
Specimens are maintained under optimal long‑term conditions—such as –80°C freezers and liquid nitrogen tanks—to preserve their integrity for downstream analysis.
Each sample is linked to detailed metadata including patient demographics, collection protocols, and clinical annotations.
How OpenSpecimen Supports Research
OpenSpecimen provides the infrastructure needed to manage specimens across their full lifecycle:
- Real‑Time Inventory Tracking: Every specimen is barcoded and monitored from collection through long‑term storage, ensuring full chain‑of‑custody documentation
- Integrated Data Environment: The system connects with clinical databases, allowing investigators to access richly annotated specimens and associated metadata.
- Streamlined Request Management: Researchers can request specimens through an integrated workflow with automated approvals and fulfillment tracking.
For External Partner Institutions
External organizations can use OpenSpecimen through the UMB Biobank without purchasing their own full software license. Instead, partners are onboarded under our existing enterprise contract and pay only a reduced service fee, making it significantly more cost‑effective than maintaining an independent installation.
Each partner institution receives:
- Its own dedicated OpenSpecimen environment or “site” within our system
- Independent branding and project structure tailored to their workflows
- Full access to specimen management tools, metadata fields, and tracking features
- Secure data segregation, ensuring partner data remains private and institution‑specific
- Compliance support through our validated, centrally maintained system
This model allows institutions to benefit from enterprise‑level infrastructure, support, and compliance oversight—without the financial or administrative burden of managing a standalone OpenSpecimen contract.