The ITOR Biorepository Services Department – in conjunction with the Greenville Health System’s surgical oncologists, pathologists and staff – have developed tissue bank sample processing guidelines for frozen tissue, fresh tissue and peripheral blood and include flash freezing in liquid nitrogen within 15 minutes of harvest to maximize cell viability for basic science research. The department has a dedicated staff, including three research nurses and a data coordinator, which facilitate the logistics of tissue handling and submit outcomes data on participating patients.

The ITOR Biorepository staff has adopted a universal consent for all patients of the Greenville Health System to have the option of donating excess tissue for research, should they desire.

ITOR of GHS has several tissue-based patient initiatives & programs under development and ongoing.