Obstetrical Repository of Biological Materials
Obstetrical Repository of Biological Materials
Subjects are being asked to donate blood, urine, vaginal secretions and/or tissue to a
 repository for research.This repository will store donated specimens for future research. The
 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center,
 under the direction of Dr. Giancarlo Mari, Professor and Chair, is responsible for the
 operation of the repository.

 Additionally, in the case of a stillborn child, the mother will be given the opportunity to
 donate samples from her stillborn baby's autopsy to a repository for research.
The stored samples will be used in studies to help researchers understand normal events in
 pregnancy, as well as events that occur when women and/or their babies have a disease or
 condition during pregnancy. Additionally, the samples may be used in future studies to
 develop cell lines for research, create tests to diagnose disease, or develop treatments. A
 cell line is the result of cells grown outside the body in a laboratory. This process will
 allow those cells to grow continuously when given the appropriate nutrients and conditions
 for growth, and will result in a permanent cell culture which is the collection of cells that
 are grown outside the body in a laboratory.

 The stored samples will also be used in future studies to help researchers identify genetic
 influences during pregnancy. Genes are like blueprints in each of your cells that determine
 traits that you inherit, like eye color and hair color. Genes may also influence what
 diseases you get and how you respond to treatment. DNA is the substance that makes up your
 genes.

 The subject will sign an informed consent for her participation (Primary Informed Consent).
 In the situation of a stillbirth occurring, the mother of the stillborn baby will sign an
 informed consent regarding the tissue samples to be obtained during the hospital's routinely
 performed autopsy. (Secondary Informed Consent).
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  English speaking female

 -  patients presenting for medical care at the Regional One Health perinatal clinics or
 Regional One Health Labor and Delivery Dept. will be asked to participate in the
 study.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Those not meeting the above criteria.