Significant amounts of biosamples and clinical data already exist in Europe, with vast potential to accelerate biomarker discovery for neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson's Disease and Dementia with Lewy bodies. However, these biosamples and data can be hard to find and access for the research community. In addition, cohorts often use different protocols for data and sample collection, a factor that can influence the accuracy of biomarker test results.

To guide neurodegenerative disease researchers in their efforts to discover and develop biomarkers, the EPND consortium has developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Body Materials Collection. To compile this technical report, partners at Amsterdam UMC, the University of Luxembourg, BBMRI-ERIC and Roche updated or generated SOPs, taking into account regulatory requirements for biomarker qualification.

The SOP provides clear protocols for collection of cerebrospinal fluid, blood (plasma, serum), saliva, stool and urine, detailing how these biosamples should be collected, processed and stored for use in high-throughput, high-sensitivity and other assays. By following these protocols, clinical researchers can reduce variation between cohorts and biomarker results in multicentre studies. 

For more information, find the full “SOP for Body Materials Collection” here.