Glossary of Terms

Biobank:

A biobank is a collection of biological samples (such as blood) and health information.

Biospecimen:

A sample taken from a patient, most frequently blood, urine, or semen.

Chromosome:

Any of several threadlike bodies, that carry the genes in a linear order. The human species has 23 pairs, designated 1 to 22 in order of decreasing size and X and Y for the female and male sex chromosomes respectively.

DNA:

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and some viruses.

Genes:

A hereditary unit consisting of a sequence of DNA that occupies a specific location on a chromosome and determines a particular characteristic in an organism.

"Genetic changes" (mutation):

Sudden structural change within a gene or chromosome of an organism resulting in the creation of a new character or trait not found in the parental type.

IRB (Institutional Review Board):

A governing body of scientists, doctors, and consumers at each health care facility that reviews research projects to protect study participants.

Medical information:

Your medical information is made up of answers you provide on our questionnaire, information from your medical record, and data from your donated sample.

Plasma:

Blood plasma is the yellow liquid component of blood, in which the blood cells are suspended.

Serum:

Serum is a fluid component of clotted blood.