One wee drop of blood is all it takes to do your bit for science

Here at Tissue Solutions, we provide scientists with human tissue giving them quick and easy access to a range of ethically sourced samples needed for their research. 

Sound a bit scary? I promise it’s not. But to totally reassure you, here’s a clear step by step guide to what’s involved and how you could help.  

In order to provide top quality samples, we’re continually building a database of donor volunteers who are willing to give just a small blood sample to fuel scientific and medical development, which has the potential to change lives, save lives and advance our understanding of numerous diseases.

Once signed up to our donor register, when we call on a donor is entirely dependent upon what scientists need – and when they need it. When a request comes in, we will reach out to registered donors to let them know and to see if they wish to get involved and share a small sample for science. 

The simple steps below outline the typical process of blood donation, which usually takes no more than 20 minutes of your time!  

1. Firstly, you will be invited to the Tissue Solutions HQ in Glasgow (or our nearest partner clinic depending on location) where you will be asked to sign a consent form. You will also be given an information sheet which outlines what the sample may be used for.

2. A phlebotomist will then draw a small amount of your blood (typically 50ml – or two spirit measures!) which will be stored in a tube (6 tubes for 50ml sample). You may even receive a biscuit for a job well done! 

3. Your sample will then be packaged up and stored at the required temperature, (4° or room temp dependent on the use of the sample) and a chemical may be added to prevent the blood from clotting. Pick up is coordinated immediately using our specialist courier service to ensure the sample reaches the client as quickly and as freshly as possible – it could be on its way to anywhere from Edinburgh to Paris by the time you get back home!

One fuss-free donation could help to find the root cause of inherited diseases, such as sickle cell anaemia and diabetes, or contribute towards research into various cancer therapies and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s or Colitis for which there is currently no cure. 

Don’t forget, the Tissue Solutions team will be on hand should you have any questions at all during the process.

It really is as simple as that, so if you fancy joining our database and helping to further vital research and drug development using the very best, ethically sourced samples, you can do so here. 

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