Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre Biobank
Research type
Research Tissue Bank
IRAS ID
115348
Contact name
Mark Wareing
Contact email
Research summary
Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre Biobank
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
08/H1010/55(+5)
Date of REC Opinion
23 May 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion
Data collection arrangements
Donated maternal and placental blood and tissue samples will be collected and stored at the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, based on the 5th floor of St Mary's Hospital, Manchester. Researchers in the unit will utilize donated tissue to study the changes that occur in normal pregnancy and to determine what processes are affected when pregnancies are complicated by disease.
Informed consent for blood and tissue sample donation will be sought from women attending St Mary's Hosptial for their normal pregnancy care. Potential participants will be approached by an appropriately trained member of the research team who will outline why we are studying human pregnancy, what samples and data we wish to collect and what we are trying to achieve with our research.
Samples will be collected from women who agree to participate in the studies during their normal visits to the hospital for their clincal care and following the safe delivery of their baby. Sample donation is anonymous and women retain the right to withdraw from the research at any time
Research programme
Donated tissues will be used to support research carried out by the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, part of the University of Manchester. The unit, whose aim is to find solutions for pregnancy problems, is the largest pregnancy research unit in Europe with over 70 clinicians (obstetricians and midwives) and research scientists actively engaged in research. Donated samples will be used in studies assessing the changes that occur during normal human pregnancy. Unfortunately, a significant number of pregnancies are complicated by diseases such as pre-eclampsia and diabetes; some babies growth is restricted in the womb; some are born too early or are stillborn. Researchers in the unit are working towards understanding what processes lead to these pregnancy complications, how women at risk can be identified and how they may be treated to ensure the birth of a healthy baby. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RTBTitle
Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre Biobank
Establishment organisation
Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Establishment organisation address
Trust Headquarters, Cobbett House
Manchester Royal Infirmary
Oxford Road, Manchester
M13 9WL