Health Survey for England Bloodbank

Around 100,000 blood samples taken as part of the HSE since 1994 have been stored after analysis for the survey data set. Researchers can apply to use these samples for research work. 

The samples are held in deep-freeze storage at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle and can be analysed by the staff there on your behalf. If you require certain analytical techniques not available at the RVI, we may consider allowing the samples to be transported to your own laboratory, under strict conditions.

All requests for blood samples will be subject to the Data Access Request Service application process, where a charge will apply to cover the costs incurred by our contractors (National Centre for Social Research and Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle) and of managing the application.

The samples need to be used fairly, so we need to ensure that the blood samples are:

• used only for the agreed reasons
• analysed appropriately and usefully
• distributed fairly and openly

Applications for work in the areas of genetic and HIV testing will not be considered.

If you'd like to apply, please contact us at [email protected].