Over 1.4 million biosamples available in RECOVER’s biorepository to support Long COVID research
RECOVER’s rich biorepository includes a collection of biosamples contributed by RECOVER study participants, including blood, saliva, and tissue samples from different areas of the body.
Nearly 30,000 adults, children, and pregnant women have joined RECOVER observational studies to help the initiative better understand, diagnose, prevent, and treat Long COVID. As part of their involvement in these studies, participants contribute biosamples such as blood, saliva (spit), urine (pee), and stool (poop).
Researchers also collect additional biosamples, such as tissues from different organs, from those enrolled in the tissue pathology (autopsy) study. All of these biosamples combined make up RECOVER’s biorepository, which contains over 1.4 million biosamples.
Unique features of the biorepository
RECOVER’s biorepository can help researchers gain a deeper understanding of Long COVID and how it affects the body. It is a valuable resource because of the vast number and types of biosamples it contains. Some of the unique features of RECOVER’s biorepository include:
- Information collected from participants over time. Teams working at RECOVER study sites collect health information from multiple surveys and biosamples for each participant. This information is collected over an extended period of time. For example, adults in the RECOVER study have contributed survey information and biosamples for up to 4 years. This consistent collection of information helps researchers study how Long COVID changes the body over time.
- Biosamples from many different types of people. RECOVER observational studies include people who never had COVID, people who had COVID and fully recovered, and people who experience lasting COVID symptoms. All of these people contribute biosamples, which enables researchers to compare information from these different groups to better understand which changes can be attributed to Long COVID.
- Many different types of samples. The biorepository contains biosamples collected from a range of tests, which can be used and evaluated in many ways. For example, after a participant contributes blood, researchers may study whole blood or different parts of the blood, such as serum (the liquid part of blood) or a type of white blood cell called a peripheral blood mononuclear cell. Access to this broad range of biosamples can help RECOVER researchers gain a more complete understanding of the condition as they seek to answer clinical questions.
Using samples from the biorepository in research
RECOVER previously funded 2 rounds of Long COVID studies through Research Opportunity Announcements (ROAs). Across both rounds, 46 funded research groups requested and received biosamples. Through a recently announced ROA, eligible researchers—within or beyond RECOVER—can apply to use RECOVER data and biosamples in their research studies.
Once a ROA study is approved, experts from the RECOVER biorepository meet with the researchers to discuss the type of Long COVID they want to examine, and which participants will need to be included in their study. For example, some studies may include only people who are experiencing cognitive (brain) symptoms, whereas others may include only people who are having problems with their heart or lungs.
Biostatisticians who work at RECOVER’s Data Resource Core then complete coding to help select the right participants for the study. Once the group of participants is assembled, the biostatisticians check with the Biospecimen Access Committee to determine whether enough volume of biosample is available from each participant.
“This process is important,” said Elizabeth Karlson, MD, MS, a multiple principal investigator for the Data Resource Core, who helps to manage coordination of the selection of biosamples for researchers. “The committee makes decisions carefully to ensure that any particular study won’t use up all of a specific type of sample. This helps us preserve biorepository resources and allows researchers to answer additional questions using these samples.”
Learn how you can use RECOVER biosamples in your research
RECOVER invites scientists and researchers to attend a 2-part RECOVER Research Review (R3) Seminar series that will discuss how to use RECOVER data and biosamples to continue advancing our understanding of Long COVID.
The first seminar in the series, to be held on Tuesday, December 9, will discuss RECOVER data. The second seminar on Tuesday, January 13, will focus on RECOVER biosamples. Presenters at both seminars will also explain current opportunities that allow researchers to apply to access RECOVER data and biosamples for use in their studies.
