Requesting Tissue Samples

The Southwest Brain Bank (SWBB) supports research by providing access to high-quality postmortem brain tissue. To request tissue samples, researchers are required to follow these steps:

How to Submit a Request

  1. Complete the Southwest Brain Bank Tissue Request Form.
  2. Provide Supporting Documents:
    • A list of approved research funding (e.g., federal grant numbers, private foundation support, or collaborative affiliations).
    • A brief project description, including background, objectives, and experimental design.
    • Your curriculum vitae (CV) or NIH bio sketch.

Approval Process

Once your request is reviewed and approved, you’ll be required to sign a Materials Transfer Agreement (MTA) to ensure proper use of the tissue. The MTA covers:

  • Safety Standards: Acknowledgment of responsibility for adhering to appropriate safety protocols for handling human tissue.
  • Single Use Policy: Agreement not to redistribute tissue samples and to direct all inquiries to SWBB.
  • Acknowledgment Requirements: Commitment to acknowledge SWBB and its federal grant number in any related publications.

Contact Us

For questions or to submit your completed request form and documents, please email or fax the SWBB team.

Research at the Southwest Brain Bank

Southwest Brain Bank
Texas Tech Health El Paso
Department of Psychiatry
5001 El Paso Drive
El Paso, TX 79905

Toll Free: 1-833-811-0013
e-Fax: 915--215-8820
Email: swbb.elp@ttuhsc.edu; gvidalma@ttuhsc.edu; Javier.vargas@ttuhsc.edu;