AFE Biorepository

Specimen Collection

Healthcare providers, medical laboratory professionals, pathologists, and medical examiners play a critical role in AFE research by assisting in the procurement or collection of specimens during or after a presumed AFE.

To transform AFE into a predictable, preventable, and treatable condition we must obtain specimens to help identify the mechanisms of disease and the biomarkers responsible for this syndrome.

You do not need to make an AFE diagnosis OR OBTAIN CONSENT Before specimen Procurement

What Specimens Are We Collecting?

Maternal blood that has been previously collected for clinical care before the diagnosis of AFE syndrome (i.e., type and screen)
Maternal blood was taken during the event but before transfusion
Pathologic specimens (FFPE Tissue Blocks) from the placenta or surgical pathology specimens (i.e., placenta, uterus, etc.)
Autopsy specimens (FFPE Tissue Blocks):

- Ectocervix/endocervix
- Lower uterine segment (full-thickness transmural section)
- Brain
- Heart
- 1-2 sections from each lobe of the lung

The most promising specimens we need are research dedicated specimens taken during an AFE prior to any blood transfusions.

We rarely get research dedicated specimens unless providers are aware of our research. Thus, we are left to study specimens taken for clinical care that will otherwise be discarded. This may include type and screen, and coagulation panels.

How to Collect Research Dedicated Specimens During an AFE:

During a possible or presumed AFE event, AND before transfusion:

Collect/Draw 5ml in red top tube
Collect /Draw 5 ml in purple/lavender tube
Set aside and finish clinical care
Have a team member call the AFE Hotline as soon as possible

Again, we do need to make an AFE diagnosis before specimen collection.

How to Submit Specimens:

Otherwise Discarded (i.e. type and screen, coags,etc,):

Immediately after a possible or presumed AFE event up to 3 days after the event:

Contact the lab to confirm they still have specimens for the patient
Have a team member contact the AFE Hotline (1-307-363-2337) as soon as possible and provide us with the time of the event and the contact name and number for the lab.

AFE Foundation staff will:

Explain the study and provide consent paperwork and instructions
Contact the hospital lab and walk them through specimen processing
Ship specimen box to the lab with a prepaid return shipping label

Collected During Autopsy of Presumed AFE:

Immediately after a possible or presumed AFE event or up to 10 years after the event:

Contact the AFE Hotline (1-307-363-2337) for cases within 7 days
For those beyond 7 days, complete the Submit a Case Form.

AFE Foundation staff will:

Contact medical examiner, pathologist, or coroner to explain the study and provide consent paperwork with instructions

Research Results

All data and specimens received are de-identified in a secure database before research team members receive it for examination. Therefore, no individual results are available.