Sample Processing Laboratory (SPL)
Core Summary
At the SPL, we serve as the vital link between clinical collections and high-fidelity research. We specialize in the handling, pre-analytical processing and preservation, short term storage, and shipment of primary samples derived from oncology clinical trial patients.
Our team understands that the biological integrity of a sample is the foundation of every breakthrough. We utilize validated and customizable workflows for clinical trial sample needs (biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, research liquid biopsy, cellular isolations, cell free DNA/RNA, genomic material, immunogenicity, etc.) to isolate, stabilize, and preserve a diverse array of biospecimens, ensuring final products are optimized for downstream research analysis, long-term storage (MGB internal laboratory or affiliate), and/or domestic/international shipments to clinical reference organizations (CROs), external sponsors, and/or external academic medical institutions.
Contact Information
Lon Gipe, Director of Laboratory Operations
Email: lgipe@mgh.harvard.edu
Phone: 617-724-2283
For General Inquiries to the SPL: email mghccpospl@partners.org
Jackson 10 Laboratory Phone Number: 617-724-8502
Location and Hours of Operation
The SPL is located at:
55 Fruit Street
Jackson Building, 10th Floor
Boston MA 02114
SPL allocated space on Jackson 10 is as follows:
Administrative Offices: GRJ1021A, GRJ1021B, GRJ1021C
SPL Lab Proper: GRJ1025 Main Lab, GRJ1029 Tissue Culture Room
Satellite Laboratory: Yawkey 7.952 near Termeer Unit
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 8:30pm
Critical On Trial Sample Processing coverage is provided with advanced notification on Saturdays and MGB Observed Holidays. The SPL Core is closed on Sundays.
Getting Started (Requesting Services) and General Operating Guidelines
If the clinical protocol is utilizing the administrative services of the Cancer Center Protocol Office (CCPO) for regulatory submission to the IRB, this will generally faciliate an integrated review by the SPL. The SPL will provide an approved SPL Service Request Form and estimate of costs. These completed documents can be viewed on the eReg binder of the CCPO Database web portal.
To request SPL services not covered through normal CCPO activities, users should contact the Director of Laboratory Operations or the General SPL Inquiry email to begin dialogue for standing up services in support of the clinical protocol.
SPL Services are not ordered through the RCMS online web portal ordering.
Sample collections are generally coordinated through Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) teams and communicated to the SPL through the use of the online SPL SharePoint Weekly Collection shared list. Samples are submitted to SPL including a completed carbon copy "Clinical Trial Research Samples Requisition", a completed sponsor/CRO required laboratory requisition slip, and a sponsor provided collection kit (containing cryovials, labels, additional supplies). If a sponsor is not providing consumable supplies, the SPL will provide necessary materials as a general inventory item or work with your team to secure. All workflows are vetted at project startup and documented through internal SPL SOPs.
Billing for services is performed by the Director of Laboratory Operations on a monthly basis. Services rendered in a particular month are billed through a journal transfer in the month preceding the work generally by the 15th day. A copy of the invoice is sent to designated protocol personnel and the CCPO Finance Team. Detailed reports and exports can be provided to help guide sample inventory and future use of biological samples distributed by the SPL.
Individual protocols are assessed for their complexity based on labor requirements, equipment usage, reagent/consumable use, and storage and shipment requirements explained in greater detail in the linked document provided below. Clarification will be provided by the Director of the determined tiering criteria used to determine project billing rates at study startup and provided in an estimate of costs. It is recommended that every user of an MGB Research Core account for a 3-5% inflationary increase annually. The SPL operates on a fiscal budget calendar of October 1st through September 30th.
