The pregnancy biobank is a resource for researchers focusing on pregnancy-related questions such as preterm birth, gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia.

Building Blocks of Pregnancy Biobank

The Building Blocks of Pregnancy Biobank (BBPB) is a longitudinal, prospectively collected, linked pregnancy outcomes biobank within the Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Collections occur in hospitals and clinics affiliated with IU School of Medicine physicians anytime during pregnancy, including labor and delivery. Since it started in 2009, the bank has had over 3,000 participants and collected over 55,000 samples. Many participants have a complete set of samples in all trimesters as well as labor and delivery.

BBPB is a resource available for both IU-affiliated researchers and researchers outside of IU focusing on pregnancy-related questions and topics such as preterm birth, gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia. The BBPB team has proven experience working with investigators at all stages, from junior and mid-career to senior. BBPB has provided samples for research studies to IU investigators from multiple departments, collaborators at academic institutions around the country and international industry collaborators.

Connect with the researchers

Email the BBPB team for more information about requesting samples for research purposes.

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Participant Samples

Samples are collected from participants at any time during their pregnancy, ideally during the first trimester. Collected samples include maternal blood (plasma, serum, DNA extracted from whole blood and residual whole blood), placenta and cord blood (plasma, serum, DNA extracted from whole blood and residual whole blood). Most participants also agree to optional collections, which include urine and buccal swabs. Additionally, most participants have opted in to being contacted with follow up health questionnaires after delivery, providing an opportunity for long-term outcome assessment.

BBPB samples are collected, processed, and stored according to standard operating procedures by trained research staff members. Samples are stored long term at the Indiana CTSI’s Specimen Storage Facility.