Join a Biorepository

You can help move autoimmune disease research forward

You can play a major role in medical science by donating your blood to Benaroya Research Institute. Scientists at BRI have been collecting thousands of blood samples, tissue samples and medical histories of people to support research. These samples have contributed to numerous scientific achievements across a large variety of disease diagnostic and therapeutic studies.

Scientists study the genes, molecules and cells of the immune system to better understand the normal workings of our immune response and how the immune system fails in diseases. By further understanding how these diseases function, BRI researchers can develop therapies that redirect the faulty immune system and cure autoimmune diseases.  BRI’s research is dependent on research participants to achieve this mission.

These stores of information, called biorepositories, include samples from individuals with autoimmune diseases, asthma and allergies.  Healthy participants are an important part of these studies as they allow researchers to learn how healthy immune systems work compared to those with diseases. 

BRI is looking for volunteer research participants to provide blood samples and a medical history. BRI research coordinators work with people to help them decide if they want to enroll in a study.  If they choose to participate, the coordinators work to schedule convenient visits. Sometimes only one visit is needed. All information gathered is kept strictly confidential. Participants may receive some compensation for their time and effort. Parking vouchers are available for VMMC parking areas.

Current Areas of Need:

Healthy “Control” Participants – People over age 18 in general good health willing to travel to Virginia Mason Medical Center periodically for blood donation on a control group.

Rheumatic Diseases – People over age 18 with known or suspected history of rheumatoid arthritis, system lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, relapsing polychondritis, undifferentiated arthritis and fibromyalgia. 

Allergies – People over the age of 18 with severe allergies to peanuts, shrimp and tree nuts.  People over the age of 18 who have had past allergy shots for grass allergies.

Infectious Diseases – Adults between the ages of 18 to 30 and over 65 who are planning to receive the flu vaccine in the fall. Participants will be asked to donate blood previous to receiving the flu vaccines and several times after the vaccine is given. Adults who have received the Japanese encephalitis vaccine within the last three years or who plan to get the vaccine in the coming months. Adults who plan to receive a yellow fever vaccine to donate a blood sample prior to vaccination and several times after vaccination.    

Multiple Sclerosis – People with multiple sclerosis that are currently not on immune modulating treatment.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases - Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis - People 18 years or older with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis or are first degree relatives of eligible study participants with these diseases.

Type 1 Diabetes – People of all ages with Type 1 diabetes (new onset or longstanding) to give a blood sample and medical history review.  This study funded by JDRF was established to better understand Type 1 diabetes through genetic, immunologic and metabolic testing of people with Type 1 diabetes.  

For more information on these studies contact info@benaroyaresearch.org or call 1-877-202-5200.