The common protocol for specimen collection used in the EDSMAR study is based on protocols developed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and published in the 2007 IARC Working Group Report “Common Minimum Technical Standards and Protocols for Biological Resource Centres Dedicated to Cancer Research”.
Blood samples:
Blood samples are collected by venepuncture using Vacutainer blood collection tubes. Participants are seated in a semi-upright position (different positioning should be recorded). Two 10 mL tubes of blood are collected: one for plasma and buffy coat and the other for serum. Serum, plasma, buffy coat, and red blood cells are then aliquoted into 0.5 mL screw-capped, barcoded Cryo Vials and stored at −80 °C.
Urine samples:
Spot urine samples are collected in clean, dry plastic containers for urine collection (50 mL capacity, with a barcode label). The samples are refrigerated until they are aliquoted into 1 mL tubes and then stored at −80 °C.