Skip to main content
Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynecology
The pregnancy biobank is a resource for researchers focusing on pregnancy-related questions such as preterm birth, gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia.
Lab image

Building Blocks of Pregnancy Biobank

The Building Blocks of Pregnancy Biobank (BBPB) is a longitudinal, prospectively collected, linked pregnancy outcomes biobank within the Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Collections occur in hospitals and clinics affiliated with IU School of Medicine physicians anytime during pregnancy, including labor and delivery. Since it started in 2009, the bank has had over 3,000 participants and collected over 55,000 samples. Many participants have a complete set of samples in all trimesters as well as labor and delivery.

BBPB is a resource available for both IU-affiliated researchers and researchers outside of IU focusing on pregnancy-related questions and topics such as preterm birth, gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia. The BBPB team has proven experience working with investigators at all stages, from junior and mid-career to senior. BBPB has provided samples for research studies to IU investigators from multiple departments, collaborators at academic institutions around the country and international industry collaborators.

Connect with the researchers

Email the BBPB team for more information about requesting samples for research purposes.

Participant Samples

Samples are collected from participants at any time during their pregnancy, ideally during the first trimester. Collected samples include maternal blood (plasma, serum, DNA extracted from whole blood and residual whole blood), placenta and cord blood (plasma, serum, DNA extracted from whole blood and residual whole blood). Most participants also agree to optional collections, which include urine and buccal swabs. Additionally, most participants have opted in to being contacted with follow up health questionnaires after delivery, providing an opportunity for long-term outcome assessment.

BBPB samples are collected, processed, and stored according to standard operating procedures by trained research staff members. Samples are stored long term at the Indiana CTSI’s Specimen Storage Facility.

Using Samples for Research

Along with biological samples, BBPB collects medical information regarding each participant’s pregnancy and concurrent medical conditions. Information collected includes diagnoses, laboratory results and medications. When submitting a sample request, BBPB staff will work with you to determine your medical information needs. Additional information not normally collected is able to be obtained at an additional cost. Pricing will be discussed prior to any work being completed.

While BBPB has diverse samples and participant diagnoses, some research may require sample types or participant characteristics that are not currently within BBPB. BBPB is flexible and can be utilized for specialized prospective collections. Email our team to discuss a proposal with BBPB staff.

The easiest way to obtain samples from the BBPB is to contact the BBPB team. A staff member will reply within three business days to learn more about the research. Prior to any samples or health information being released, BBPB staff will send a feasibility report and quote for approval. Depending on affiliation with IU, additional agreements may need to be completed. BBPB staff will help obtain these approvals.

BBPB samples will be shipped on a mutually agreeable timeframe. Once samples are received, payment is due within 30 days.

Patil AS, Gaikwad NW, Grotegut CA, Dowden SD, Haas DM. Alterations in endogenous progesterone metabolism associated with spontaneous very preterm delivery. Human Reproduction Open. 2020; 2020 (2): 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1093/hropen/hoaa007

Quinney S, Kothiya P, Dowden S, Xu Y, Haas DM. 629: Longitudinal analysis of lipidomics across pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2018; 218 (1): S375.

Haas DM, Rosenblatt KP, Doss RC, Dowden S, Brohman B. Impact of progestin therapy on circulating microparticle proteins in women being treated to prevent preterm birth. Central Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Annual Meeting. Las Vegas, NV. October 2016

Haas DM, Aagaard K, Sexton A, Zanoni P, Stone J, Stokes A, Gronowski AM. T-001 A collaborative collection of pregnancy bio-specimen biobanks in North America. Reproductive Sciences. March 2016; 23 (1): 103A.

BBPB Principal Investigator

6505-Haas, David David M. Haas, MD

David M. Haas, MD

Robert A. Munsick Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology

For Research Participants

More information about participating in the BBPB is available for patients.