MUHC COVID-19 Biobank and BQC19: Together to defeat COVID-19
The MUHC COVID-19 Biobank
The MUHC COVID-19 Biobank is an integral part of the Biobanque québécoise de la COVID-19 (BQC), mandated by the Quebec government.
The BQC’s mission is to collect biological materials and health information from COVID-19-positive people. This information is then made available for approved research, for analysis of the causes, risk factors and complications of this disease, which affects both adults and children. The BQC works collectively, as part of the provincial and global effort to defeat COVID-19.
The MUHC COVID-19 Biobank is one of several hospital sites across Quebec. The biobank is funded by the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS) in partnership with Genome Quebec.
The MUHC COVID-19 Biobank provides state-of the-art infrastructure and the research expertise required to collect, store and share biological samples and medical data from people infected with COVID-19.
What is a biobank?
A biobank is a depository or "bank" for human biological samples and clinical data. By collecting and analyzing high quality biological specimens along with responses to health questions, the scientific community works together with government policy agencies to understand transmission of disease and to improve patient outcomes. The BQC “Participants” webpage includes more details for potential participants about consent, collection and conservation of samples, data security, and ethical approvals for studies.
For more information about volunteering as a participant in the MUHC COVID-19 Biobank, email muhc.covidbb@muhc.mcgill.ca.
How to Participate: Be part of the research on COVID-19
What does it involve?
You will meet biobank personnel a few times to give them some health information and blood. No drugs or interventions are involved.
Where?
At the MUHC Glen site.
How do I participate?
Email us at muhc.covidbb@muhc.mcgill.ca
The MUHC COVID-19 Biobank is approved by the MUHC Research Ethics Board and adheres to established policies.
Research access to samples and data
The provincial office of the BQC is currently setting up the process for researchers to access samples and data province-wide. For more information, and to sign up for updates, visit the BQC “Research – Access” webpage.
For more information about local research access to the MUHC COVID-19 Biobank, email muhc.covidbb@muhc.mcgill.ca.
MUHC COVID-19 Biobank team
Media coverage
- Agence Science-Presse: Une biobanque québécoise pour mieux lutter contre la COVID-19
- McGill Newsroom: FRQ to create a province-wide COVID-19 biobank
- McGill: The Quebec COVID-19 Biobank – an essential weapon against COVID
- RI-MUHC: FRQ to create a province-wide COVID-19 Biobank - RI-MUHC researchers take leading roles in the initiative
- Le Devoir: Une biobanque québécoise pour mieux lutter contre la COVID-19
- Le Soleil: Une biobanque de COVID-19 au Québec offrira données et échantillons aux chercheurs
- Montreal General Hospital Foundation: A Dedicated Biobank to Better Understand COVID-19
Contact the MUHC COVID-19 Biobank
For more information about participating in the MUHC COVID-19 Biobank, email muhc.covidbb@muhc.mcgill.ca.
Donald C. Vinh, MD
Director, MUHC COVID-19 Biobank
Dr. Vinh is a scientist in the Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program at the Research Institute of the MUHC
Bruce Mazer, MD
Co-Director, MUHC COVID-19 Biobank
Dr. Mazer is a senior scientist in the Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program at the Research Institute of the MUHC