Samples and Data

Biospecimens (Samples)

The A3BC collects a wide range of biological samples to support current and future research into arthritis and autoimmune disease. The sample collection and storage strategy is designed to be fit‑for‑purpose, scalable and future‑proof, enabling a broad range of laboratory and multi‑omic analyses while maintaining high quality and participant safety.

Sample types, collection timepoints and storage approaches are selected to:

  • Support genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, microbiome and cellular research
  • Minimise pre‑analytical variability
  • Balance scientific value with feasibility, cost and participant burden
  • Accommodate the different needs of paediatric and adult participants, including weight‑based blood collection in children

When are samples collected?

Wherever possible, biospecimen collection occurs alongside routine clinical care to minimise inconvenience to participants.
For participants who consent to ongoing biospecimen collection:

  • Baseline (0 months): Collected as close as possible to the start, switch, tapering or stopping of treatment
  • Follow‑up: Typically at 6, 12 and 24 months

Baseline collection ideally occurs within two weeks of a treatment change, with flexibility around clinical schedules to allow meaningful linkage with clinical and patient‑reported outcome data.

Although scheduled collections usually conclude at 24 months, additional (ad‑hoc) samples may be collected where clinically meaningful events occur, such as:

  • Disease flares
  • Significant treatment changes
  • Surgery or biopsy
  • Participation in approved sub‑studies or partner clinical trials

Collection schedules do not reset when treatments are switched, unless specified within an approved project.

Some participants may choose one‑off biospecimen donation only.

Types of samples collected

Depending on consent and clinical context, A3BC may collect:

Blood samples

  • Plasma, serum, whole blood
  • DNA, RNA and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
  • Weight‑based collection volumes for children

Microbiome samples

  • Stool samples
  • Oral swabs or saliva

Synovial samples (where clinically indicated)

  • Synovial tissue (biopsy or surgical samples)
  • Synovial fluid

Urine samples (project‑specific)

Minimally invasive finger‑prick blood samples

  • Used in specific studies such as therapeutic drug monitoring

Not all participants provide all sample types — participation is flexible and based on individual consent and feasibility.

Other bone and soft tissues

Some A3BC participants may undergo surgical or diagnostic procedures as part of their routine care where tissue would otherwise be discarded. With consent, these tissues can provide exceptional research value

Clinical care always takes priority. Research collection only occurs where it does not interfere with diagnosis or treatment.

If a participant is undergoing a relevant procedure, tissue donation may be discussed in one of two ways:

  • The treating specialist raises the option of tissue donation and, with permission, A3BC coordinates collection with the clinical team
  • The participant (or parent/guardian) contacts the A3BC to discuss an upcoming procedure

In all cases, coordination is handled by the A3BC team using site‑specific collection procedures, with no additional burden to the participant or treating clinicians.

Tissue types of interest include:

  • Bone and joint tissue from orthopaedic procedures
    • e.g. joint replacement, revision surgery, fusion or osteotomy
  • Tendon or ligament tissue removed during repair or debridement
  • Muscle tissue from diagnostic muscle biopsy
  • Subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules
  • Excess biopsy tissue
    • e.g. temporal artery tissue in suspected giant cell arteritis or other vasculitis

These samples are processed and stored according to national A3BC standards and are made available only for ethics‑approved research.

Data collected alongside samples

All biospecimens are linked to rich, longitudinal data, which may include:

  • Clinical assessment data
  • Patient‑reported outcomes (questionnaires)
  • Treatment and disease course information
  • Linked health records (with consent), such as hospital data and Medicare‑related datasets

This integrated biobank‑registry model allows researchers to study biological samples in meaningful clinical and real‑world context.