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The NW Biobank was established to save these discarded samples so scientists have the tools they need for genetic research.

Why contribute to the NW Biobank?

• Because your blood is incredibly valuable. Even a microscopic amount of blood contains billions of pieces of genetic information that hold the clues to the causes of disease. Imagine this amount of information from hundreds of thousands of people—this powerful research tool is the NW Biobank.
• Because it’s easy and convenient. We’d like to save the blood left over after tests that your doctor ordered and use it for research. All we need is your consent. There are no extra appointments, lab visits, or costs.
• Because you’re investing in the future. Your contribution to the NW Biobank will help future generations. You will leave a legacy of medical and genetic information that will benefit others.
• Because it’s secure. Only local and national researchers who conduct approved studies will have access to NW Biobank and health data. Your personal information (name, member number, address, etc.) will be removed and a study number used instead to protect your confidentiality. Only researchers will have access to the results of your genetic analysis—not employers, insurance companies, or your family. The information won’t be entered into your medical record.
• Because it’s an efficient and less-expensive approach to research. Collecting samples for research can be time-consuming and expensive. The NW Biobank offers a simple solution: because samples have already been collected, researchers won’t have to get volunteers for each study.
• Because we need a lot of information to do genetic research. The causes of common diseases are highly complex, and it takes thousands of blood samples to figure out what genes are involved in these diseases. To arrive at the correct answers, researchers need to collect and study a large number of samples.