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Review
. 2014 Nov;102(5):1244-53.
doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.07.1209. Epub 2014 Sep 22.

World Endometriosis Research Foundation Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project: IV. Tissue collection, processing, and storage in endometriosis research

Amelie Fassbender  1 , Nilufer Rahmioglu  2 , Allison F Vitonis  3 , Paola Viganò  4 , Linda C Giudice  5 , Thomas M D'Hooghe  1 , Lone Hummelshoj  6 , G David Adamson  7 , Christian M Becker  8 , Stacey A Missmer  9 , Krina T Zondervan  10 ; WERF EPHect Working Group
Collaborators, Affiliations
Review

World Endometriosis Research Foundation Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project: IV. Tissue collection, processing, and storage in endometriosis research

Amelie Fassbender et al. Fertil Steril. 2014 Nov.

Abstract

Objective: To harmonize standard operating procedures (SOPs) and standardize the recording of associated data for collection, processing, and storage of human tissues relevant to endometriosis.

Design: An international collaboration involving 34 clinical/academic centers and three industry collaborators from 16 countries on five continents.

Setting: In 2013, two workshops were conducted followed by global consultation, bringing together 54 leaders in endometriosis research and sample processing from around the world.

Patient(s): None.

Intervention(s): Consensus SOPs were based on: 1) systematic comparison of SOPs from 24 global centers collecting tissue samples from women with and without endometriosis on a medium or large scale (publication on >100 cases); 2) literature evidence where available, or consultation with laboratory experts otherwise; and 3) several global consultation rounds.

Main outcome measure(s): Standard recommended and minimum required SOPs for tissue collection, processing, and storage in endometriosis research.

Result(s): We developed "recommended standard" and "minimum required" SOPs for the collection, processing, and storage of ectopic and eutopic endometrium, peritoneum, and myometrium, and a biospecimen data collection form necessary for interpretation of sample-derived results.

Conclusion(s): The EPHect SOPs allow endometriosis research centers to decrease variability in tissue-based results, facilitating between-center comparisons and collaborations. The procedures are also relevant to research into other gynecologic conditions involving endometrium, myometrium, and peritoneum. The consensus SOPs are based on the best available evidence; areas with limited evidence are identified as requiring further pilot studies. The SOPs will be reviewed based on investigator feedback and through systematic triannual follow-up. Updated versions will be made available at: http://endometriosisfoundation.org/ephect.

Keywords: EPHect; Endometriosis; standard operating procedures; standardization; tissue.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram depicting the World Endometriosis Research Foundation Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project (EPHect) development and consensus process (tissue sample standard operating procedures (SOPs)).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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