Our simple guide to a skin biopsy donation
- September 17, 2020
- Posted by: Gemma Fulton
- Category: Blog

Become a donor and do your bit for science
Did you know that just one small sample of your skin (typically 5mm in size) could help further the development of medical treatments against conditions like eczema, psoriasis and hives and transform the lives of thousands – even millions – around the world?
Inspiring prospect, right? Well, just as you rely on science, science relies on YOU!
Here at Tissue Solutions, we provide scientists with human tissue and give them quick and easy access to a range of ethically sourced samples needed for their research. In order for us to do this, we’re continually building a database of donor volunteers who are willing to give just a wee bit of their time (and skin!) to fuel scientific and medical development, and advance our understanding of numerous diseases and skin conditions.
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 by. When a request comes in, we reach out to registered donors to see if they wish to get involved – there’s absolutely no obligation even once signed up.
It’s a super quick, easy and confidential process that takes no more than 45 minutes. To reassure you, we’ve outlined the process in simple steps below…
The Process
1. Firstly, you will be invited to the Tissue Solutions HQ in Glasgow (or our nearest partner clinic depending on location) where you will meet one of our lovely team members who will ask you to sign a consent form. Prior to your visit you will receive an information sheet which outlines what the sample may be used for.
2. Once comfortable, a specialist will then take a very small skin sample from your body which is typically from the upper arms, legs, or upper arms. These are areas with higher skin density which means it’s much less invasive!
3. Your sample will then be packaged up and stored at the required temperature. Pick up is coordinated immediately using our specialist courier service to ensure the sample reaches the client as quickly and as freshly as possible to increase the reliability of their study.
4. You get to go home knowing that you’ve done something truly great for science!
The more people we have signed up as donors, the more effective we can be in assisting the development of new drugs and treatments which millions around the world are hoping for to improve their quality of life. That’s why we’re committed to responding on-demand to researchers’ sample requests to make sure that they can access the very best, ethically sourced samples that they require.
It really is as simple as that. So if you fancy joining our database, to help science where you’re able to, you can do so here.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for regular updates.