Samples & Data
The UK ME/CFS Biobank holds over 30,000 aliquots, as well as a variety of clinical assessment data, and blood test results. For more information on the application process please refer to the application page or contact us.
| Sample Type | Stored aliquot volume | Collection tube |
| Whole blood | 0.5ml | EDTA |
| Serum | 200μl | Red serum |
| Plasma | 1ml | EDTA |
| Plasma | 250μl | Sodium Heparin |
| Red Blood Cells (RBCs) | 2ml | Sodium Heparin |
| Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) | 5×10^6 cells in 1ml | Sodium Heparin |
| Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) | 5×10^6 cells in 1ml | EDTA |
| Blood for RNA | 2.5ml | PAXgene |
Questionnaires
- Symptoms experienced
- Sociodemographic variables
- Family and individual health histories
- Potential risk factors (exposures)
- Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form (SF-36v2)
- General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28)
- Epworth sleepiness score
- Fatigue scales assessing severity and disability
- Pain and fatigue analogue scale
Clinical assessments
- Urinalysis by dipstick (glucose, protein, blood, and specific gravity)
- Pulse oximetry
- Blood pressure (seated and standing)
- Standing height
- Weight and bioimpedance
- Waist circumference
- Hand grip strength test
Blood tests
- Full blood count
- Blood chemistry and creatinine
- Liver function
- Thyroid function*
- CRP
- ESR
- Rheumatoid factor*
- Tissue transglutaminase antibodies*
- Serum vitamin B12*
- Folate*
- Calcium*
- Creatine kinase
- HbA1c (reflection of average blood glucose over previous 3 months)*
- Lactate dehydrogenase*
- Bicarbonate*
- Vitamin D*
- Immunoglobulins*
- Antinuclear antibody*
*For baseline only
As of January, the collection comprises:
- Samples and accompanying data from people with
ME/CFS (n= 340) including people severely affected (house- and/or bed-bound) by
ME/CFS (n= 81). Of these, 140+ have samples and data at 2 timepoints. There is
a cohort of 100 who have samples and data at between 2 and 6 time points.
Thirty of the severely affected have been seen at 4 time points, for example.
- Samples from healthy controls (n= 136), of which
78 have samples and data at 2 time points
- Samples from disease controls [people with MS]
(n= 69), of which 47 have samples and data at 2 time points
- People with non-ME chronic fatigue including
recovered cases (n=41), of which 5 have samples and data at 2 time points
