The nonprofit Human Milk Science Institute and Biobank (HMSIB) fosters and advances research through the sharing of biological samples, data, and services. Our goal is to be a convenient, reliable, and affordable resources for scientists.
FOR RESEARCHERS
Types of Samples and Storage
HMSIB offers different human milk sample types to meet a variety of research needs, including but not limited to: whole unmanipulated milk from single donors, cellular pellet treated with RNA-Later, and supernatant. All milk samples are stored onsite at -80°C, primarily in either 5 mL or 15 mL amber tubes.
Data Provided
Samples are associated with hundreds of points of de-identified data. A limited set of maternal and infant data is included with each sample and additional data points are available for an extra fee to cover the staff time required.
Informed Consent and IRB
All subjects have provided informed consent for their milk and/or data to be used for research purposes.
Advarra IRB, PRO00027965
Customization
Should an investigator require something different from our standard samples, we are happy to discuss customization including custom questionnaire creation and data for specific projects. We have permission to recontact donors to obtain the necessary data.
Why Choose HMSIB for Your Research Needs?
- Ease of ordering
- Ability to do custom work
- Non-profit organization that keeps fees as low as possible
- No connection to work that aims to produce a substitute for human milk
- Independent organization that simply wants to bring down the barriers to human milk science
Obtaining samples
All sample requests must be approved by the Board of Directors of HMSIB. The organization will not provide samples for work that is involved in the creation or support of human milk substitutes. As part of the materials transfer agreement, investigators must sign a statement attesting that their work is not for such use and disclose all funding sources.
To encourage the next generation of human milk researchers, HMSIB offers a limited number of discounted samples for post-baccalaureate or predoctoral student projects.
Contact us by filling out the form below or emailing info@humanmilksamples.org
Milk of Special Interest
On occasion, HMSIB has milk available that is different from our typical samples or has an attribute that we feel may be of particular interest.