Medical College of Wisconsin
Medical College of Wisconsin Medical College of Wisconsin
Research Bench Lab
MCW Tissue Bank

MCW General Tissue Bank Program

Charity Run 3F

Overview

The purpose of the MCW General Tissue Bank Program is to support physicians and medical researchers across campus in the investigation of various conditions and potential treatments. Research supported by this program spans everything from cancer and chronic disease to imaging advancements and the development of novel therapeutics.

General Tissue Bank Program Consent

Please click on the arrow to watch a five-minute video to learn more about the General Tissue Bank Program. It is a summary of the General Tissue Bank Program consent form and participation information. It includes the purpose of the program, risks, benefits, and confidentiality. Your participation is completely voluntary.

Download the MCW Tissue Bank Consent Form (PDF)

  • If you are viewing this video in clinic and interested in participating, please ask your clinical team for a consent form.
  • If you are viewing this video from home and interested in participating, please fill out the inquiry form below.
  • If this video was sent to you by Tissue Bank staff, please follow the form prompts in the email.

Participation Information

Tissue Banking at MCW involves storing health information and blood or tissue samples in the MCW Tissue Bank for the purpose of medical research. Participants who choose to participate in the MCW General Tissue Bank Program consent to the following:

  • A one-time blood collection at your next routine clinical blood draw. Since the blood is collected during a routine clinical draw, no extra needle sticks are necessary, and the amount of blood taken (less than one tablespoon) does not pose any increased risk.
  • Permission to bank any remnants of tissue that may be taken in the event of surgery and that would otherwise be discarded. The MCW Tissue Bank does not collect tissue needed for clinical purposes, such as diagnosis, and no extra tissue will be taken as a result of program participation.
  • Permission to securely access and use some of your electronic health information to provide research teams linked to your samples.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Over 18 years of age
  • A patient of Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin
  • The ability to speak and read English (consent form is only available in English currently)

Contact Information

Patient Inquiry Form

Please scroll down to submit the MCW Tissue Bank Patient Inquiry Form.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I know the outcome of the research my samples may help to support?

Since the MCW Tissue Bank supports numerous different researchers, we unfortunately cannot provide participants with information regarding specific studies their samples may help to support. However, rest assured that all research conducted at Froedtert and the Medical College must be approved by our Institutional Review Board (IRB).

What is the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

The IRB is a committee of doctors, researchers, and members of the community who are responsible for protecting the rights, welfare, and privacy of all individuals who participate in research sponsored by The Medical College of Wisconsin as well as Froedtert Hospital. The IRB reviews studies involving human subjects to ensure safety, compliance with laws and regulations, scientific quality, and ethical standards. Specimens donated to the MCW Tissue Bank cannot be used for research without the permission of the IRB.

Can I still participate even if I do not have an upcoming scheduled blood draw?

Yes, we will collect a blood sample at your next routine clinical draw, regardless of the timeframe until your next blood draw is scheduled.

How long does consent to this program last?

Consent to the MCW General Tissue Bank program is for life, and there is no limit on how long we may keep your samples in our Bank. However, if you choose to withdraw from the program, which you may do so at any time, any samples still banked will be removed and properly discarded.

Will I be compensated for participation?

There is no direct benefit to you other than the satisfaction of helping to advance knowledge. You will not be paid for your specimens nor receive any payment from patents or products that result from the research.

Does the MCW Tissue Bank consent patients for organ donation?

No, organ donation is not something covered by the Tissue Bank. In the event of a patient’s death, any agreement that a patient has entered into regarding organ donation will be honored accordingly. The MCW Tissue bank only collects blood and discard tissue from surgeries.

Can I participate even if I do not have any existing health conditions?

Yes, all patients of Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin are eligible to participate, regardless of health status, given that they meet our criteria for participation.

Can I donate tissue but not blood? Can I donate blood but not tissue?

Unfortunately, we cannot separate the process within our program. There may be other research on campus that suits your needs. Check out the Clinical Trials page to find ways you can participate.

MCW Tissue Bank Patient Inquiry Form

Example: 4145551234