University of Exeter Medical School, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Kevin Colclough
Dr Jayne Houghton
Principal Clinical Scientists
Exeter Genomics Laboratory
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Barrack Road
Exeter EX2 2DW
Dr Maggie Shepherd
Senior Research Nurse
NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Barrack Road
Exeter
EX2 5DW
m.shepherd1@nhs.net
Tel: 01392 408324
Responsible for overseeing recruitment of new volunteers and samples donated specifically for research purposes.
IRAS:
316050
REC:
Wales Research Ethics Committee 5
22/WA/0268
CRF:
110
The Genetic Beta Cell Research Bank (GBCRB) is a tissue bank with over-arching ethics to carry out research into the mechanisms and genetic causes of diabetes and other beta cell disorders. It stores samples from diagnostic archives and residual samples from research activity where enduring consent has been given. The GBCRB ensures effective guardianship of these samples, with a Steering Committee that reviews all requests to use samples and associated data to ensure they are sensibly used to improve the diagnosis, care and treatment of genetic diabetes.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Molecular Genetics Laboratory is a world leader in monogenic diabetes diagnosis and receives samples from over 90 countries. Patients referred to the service currently provide consent for their samples to be analysed to determine the genetic cause of their diabetes. A genetic diagnosis is found for around 33% of patients tested. If, however, a genetic cause is not found, suggesting a new causative gene or a non-monogenic form of diabetes, the analysis of samples becomes part of a research question. If no clear diagnosis is found, DNA samples are usually stored and re-analysed in the future when new genes have been discovered. Samples in these storage areas may fall between research and diagnostic governance procedures.
If you are a patient and would like more information, please click here.
Our referral forms includes informed consent/assent statements.
For information about referring to the Genetic Beta Cell Research Bank and patient information sheets, please click here.
It is accepted that these are not as detailed as a research study consent form, but aim to provide sufficient evidence of informed consent and/or assent by the patient and/or consent from a guardian or consultee, without burdening the patient and their clinician with excessive administration during a time-limited clinical appointment.