The Biospecimen Pre-analytical Variables (BPV) Program is a National Cancer Institute-sponsored study to assess the effects of pre-analytical factors on the molecular profile of biospecimens.  A comprehensive set of molecular profiling data has been generated from experiments addressing cold ischemic time (delay to formalin fixation), time in formalin, freezing methods, and storage temperatures and durations. 
The BPV data set is currently being prepared for submission to the NIH Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP) and is expected to be released by the end of 2018. These data will be available to the biomedical research community, via dbGaP’s controlled access, to support the development of evidence-based best practices for fit-for-purpose collection, processing, and storage of biospecimens for cancer research.


Developing A Public Data Resource For The NCI’s BPV Program