Widely known for their generosity, Glaswegians are being called on to demonstrate this virtue by becoming a donor of a slightly different kind, as a leading Scottish biobank today (14 September) launches a campaign to boost Scotland’s role in providing vital samples for science.

Tissue Solutions Ltd, a Glasgow-based virtual biobank, is looking for gallus Glaswegians to sign up and donate samples such as blood, faeces, skin and saliva – and help significantly increase its pool of donor ‘talent’.

The move will enable Tissue Solutions to further support its global client base by providing the very best, ethically sourced human tissue samples to aid vital research and drug development.

The company is focusing on six core samples; blood, skin, saliva, urine faeces and tears and is encouraging potential donors to find out more about how their samples can aid the march of critical scientific progress.

Whilst the donor process is quick, easy and confidential, the potential outcome has the opportunity to deliver a major global impact. By way of definition:

• A small skin sample can aid in the development of drugs against conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and hives
• A single test tube of blood can help find the root cause of inherited diseases such as sickle cell anaemia and diabetes
• A urine sample supports research into earlier detection of certain cancers, such as prostate or bladder cancer, to improve treatment options
• A poo sample provides vital information on the bacteria living in your gut and how that changes with certain diseases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis
• A few tears will go a long way in supporting research around dry eyes and improving contact lens comfort for the approximate 125 million* people who wear them in the world
• A sample of saliva aids the development of new, less invasive tests to diagnose diseases such as COVID-19 quicker and easier

Morag McFarlane, CEO at Tissue Solutions, said: “This is an opportunity for thousands of people in and around Glasgow to become active participants in supporting the continued progress of science in Scotland and beyond.

“In the wake of COVID-19 and the race to find a cure for the virulent pandemic, I am hoping that individuals will recognise the vital role that science plays in reducing, removing or completely eradicating conditions which mentally and physically affect the human race.

“The more people we have signed up as donors, the more effective we can be in assisting the development of new drugs, by making sure that researchers can access the materials they need.”

The campaign is being backed by Jamie Kane, a Glasgow local, (26), who has previously suffered from the debilitating effects of eczema. Jamie chose to take to Instagram to talk openly about his condition and how it impacted his life in the hope that he could help others who were also living with the condition.

He said: “The effects of eczema are widespread. You literally wear it on the outside for all to see, which can deeply affect your mental wellbeing.

“My own journey was a painful one in all respects. I took to social media as a means of ‘owning’ my condition rather than hiding behind it. The reaction I had was incredibly positive, which really helped me.

“I am thrilled to support this campaign and would encourage others to get involved and do their bit to help – doing something small could make a really big difference.”

Morag McFarlane continued: “Glaswegians are known for their generosity, so I am calling on them to take that virtue a step further and sign up. Becoming a donor is easy and the process for taking samples is very quick and straightforward.”

The company is still looking for donors during lockdown as some samples, such as saliva, can be taken at home without a clinician and sent in the post.

To become a donor or to find out more information about what the simple process entails and how samples will be used, visit to www.tissue-solutions.com/donate-samples.

The campaign will be supported with creative and engaging social media content across Facebook and Twitter, where famous artworks have been reimagined to demonstrate their support. Tissue samples have also been personified to create greater awareness and understanding of how one small sample can go a very long way in aiding research.

Sign up or follow the campaign on Twitter: @samples4science, Facebook and Instagram: @samplesforscience and help spread the word on how people can help Scotland be a leading source in supplying samples for science.

For further information on the campaign and Tissue Solutions Ltd, please contact the press office at itg@grayling.com or M: 07595 106459