Our Research Research Tissue Support Service (RTSS)
A Gold‑Standard Biobank for High‑Impact Research
RTSS operates in alignment with ISBER best practices, delivering comprehensive, end‑to‑end biorepository services—from specimen acquisition and processing through secure long‑term storage and distribution. Every biospecimen is handled with the integrity and consistency required to support reproducible, high‑confidence science.
Our biobank houses a broad and growing collection of well‑annotated pediatric solid tumor and liquid biospecimens, preserved for molecular, cellular, and functional analyses. Each specimen is linked to curated clinical and pathological metadata, enabling standardized workflows that support longitudinal and cross‑study research efforts.
RTSS biobank resources enable:
• Discovery and identification of novel molecular targets, particularly in pediatric cancer and blood disorders
• Development and validation of front‑line therapies
• Translational insights that bridge discoveries to clinical application
• Longitudinal and cross‑study analyses supported by standardized, well‑annotated specimens
Biospecimen Scope & Depth
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Disease Representation
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Our Services
Key Services
• Collection, cryopreservation (including live cell freezing), and long-term storage of tumor and non-tumor specimens in accordance with approved protocols
• Long-term and secure storage of blood, bone marrow, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in monitored −80°C freezers and liquid nitrogen (LN₂) systems
• Extraction of DNA and RNA from fresh or frozen specimens
“Rent‑a‑Bench” Shared Resources
• Access to designated bench space, workstations, and specialized equipment for short-term or periodic use
• Provision of expertise and infrastructure for industry‑leading tissue preservation
*Contact us to inquire about pricing
Shipping Services
• Expert packing, handling, and shipment of biological materials in compliance with Class 6.2 Dangerous Goods regulations
Consultation & Research Support
• Technical and operational consultation on specimen feasibility, processing, and storage requirements
• Adaptation of RTSS standard operating procedures to meet study specific needs
• Procedural training and hands-on guidance for RTSS supported specimen activities
Collaborate With Us
RTSS actively supports national and international collaborations and welcomes new research partnerships. We are especially interested in projects focused on:
• Novel molecular targets
• Mechanisms of disease and treatment resistance
• Biomarker discovery
• Personalized and precision therapies for pediatric cancer
If you are interested in leveraging RTSS resources or exploring a new collaboration, we invite you to connect with our team to discuss your study goals and specimen needs.
📩 Contact us: RTSSLab@texaschildrens.org
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Have you published your work using RTSS samples?
Be sure to acknowledge us in your abstracts, presentations, and manuscripts:
Materials Section | "Tissues were obtained through the Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center Tissue Bank (RTSS)."
Acknowledgements | "This work has been supported, in part, by the Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center Tissue Bank (RTSS)."
