What are Tissue Banks?

The objective of a human tissue bank is to systematically collect, store, and distribute tissues for research dedicated to the improved understanding, care and treatment of individuals with various health disorders.

Why are Tissue Banks Important?

Researchers working to understand and develop new therapies for a wide range of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and developmental disorders such as cerebral palsy, rely on donated tissues for their investigations. Progress in treating common and rare diseases hinges on access to both normal and diseased human tissues, but they are often in short supply.

A tissue bank is in a unique position to further such research, which may ultimately benefit the lives of millions. Many tissues not suitable for transplant can be donated for research, giving individuals and families the opportunity to advance medical science and contribute to the development of new treatments and cures.

Brain and Tissue Banks for Developmental Disorders

Every year infants, children and adults are diag nosed with one of hundreds of devastating and little understood developmental disorders. Developmental disorders are perplexing medical mysteries, which can only be solved with contin ued, and dedicated research. For this reason, the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Develop ment have funded two Brain and Tissue Banks. The goal of both Banks is to advanc e meaning ful research on developmental disorders. Many of these disorders have their origins before, during or soon after birth, and are manifested early in life, but others do not occur until later in life. The Banks serve the critical purpose of collecting, preserv ing and distributing human tissues to qualified scientific investigators who are dedicated to the improved under standing, care and treatment of developmen tal disorders.

In thousands of laboratories throughout our country, researchers have dedicated their careers to finding a cure for the many diseases and disorders that afflict man. Human tissue donated at the time of death by people of all ages, especially those afflicted with a genetic or developmental disorder, is the most precious resource on which these researchers depend. It is in human tissues, particularly the brain, that many of these dysfunctions occur and manifest themselves. By examining these tissues, comparing the unaffected with the affected, or by comparing different age groups, scientists begin to answer endless questions. As answers unfold so will deeper understanding, offering hope to the lives of us all.

To learn more about NICHD Brain and Tissue Bank at the University of Maryland, please visit their website at www.btbank.org.