AFE Biorepository
Specimen Collection
Healthcare providers play a critical role in AFE research by preparing for specimen procurement 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.
Blood tests taken before and during an AFE event may hold the key to unlocking the mystery of AFE.
You do not need to make an AFE diagnosis OR OBTAIN CONSENT Before specimen collection
What Specimens Are We Collecting?
- Maternal blood that have been previously collected for clinical care before the diagnosis of AFE syndrome (i.e., type and screen)
- Maternal blood taken during event but prior to transfusion
- Pathological specimens from the placenta, surgical pathology specimens (i.e., placenta, uterus, etc.)
- Autopsy specimens (various tissue blocks)
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
How to Submit Specimens:
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
- Contact the AFE Hotline (1-307-363-2337) for cases within 7 days
- For those beyond 10 days, complete the Submit a Case Form.
- Explain the study and provide consent paperwork with instructions
- Contact medical examiner, pathologist, or coroner
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.
