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How to Order Biospecimens

The process to order biospecimens has different requirements depending on whether you are ordering samples from your own study OR samples produced by a different study via NRGR Access Approval.

  1. Fill out the The web-based form will require 2 file uploads:
    1. Sample Details File: A .csv file that contains the sample details for the request.
    2. Cover Letter: Create a cover letter (.pdf), signed by the PI, on institutional letterhead. Provide the following information in the cover letter:
      1. NIMH Repository study number.
      2. A brief purpose statement for accessing the samples.
      3. State whether it is for a new study/protocol that is different from the original protocol. If so, a new study description must be provided.
      4. If you have received the same samples in the past, please include the history of those received samples (date[s] requested, amount, and the purpose for accessing)
      5. Please address this cover letter to,
        NIMH Repository & Genomics Resource Access Committee
        National Institute of Mental Health
        National Institutes of Health
        6001 Executive Blvd.
        Room 7180B
        Rockville, MD 20852
  2. If the sequencing site is different from the study site, samples may be shipped to the sequencing site directly. In this case, requesting PIs must also submit a distribution agreement signed by the investigator and their institution's Authorized Organizational Representative who will be responsible for your samples at the sequencing site. Provide the Distribution Agreement to NIMH.genomics.resources@mail.nih.gov.
  3. Sample Orders are reviewed and approved/denied by NIMH. You may be contacted with clarifying questions, or to modify and re-submit your order. Previous Orders can be viewed in the Order Dashboard.

  1. Sign In or Create an Account using the Sign In link in the header of this site.
  2. If you haven't already done so, Request Access to the appropriate data. Only approved users can request biospecimens.
  3. Fill out the The web-based form will require 1 file upload:
    1. Sample Details File: A .csv file that contains the sample details for the request.
  4. NOTE: NRGR will only ship samples to NIMH-approved sites with a signed Material Transfer Agreement. We cannot ship directly to processing sites.
  5. Sample Orders are reviewed and approved/denied by NIMH. You may be contacted with clarifying questions, or to modify and re-submit your order. Previous Orders can be viewed in the Order Dashboard.

NRGR assesses sample orders to determine whether the request must be denied or charged to the requestor.

  1. Have the samples been shipped previously?
  2. Is the request non-standard?
  3. Is the request for an approved purpose?
  4. Has the Study fulfilled data submission requirements?
  5. Has the PI fulfilled data submission requirements for all associated studies?