The NCI Specimen Resource Locator is a database developed by the Resources
Development Branch, Cancer Diagnosis Program, NCI that helps researchers locate specimens for cancer research.
The database includes resources such as tissue banks and tissue procurement systems with access to normal,
benign, pre-cancerous and/or cancerous human tissue covering a wide variety of organ sites. Federally funded
human specimen resources are required to comply with the federal human subjects regulations
(45CFR46).
Researchers specify the types of specimens, number of cases, preservation methods and
associated data they require. The Locator will then search the database and return a list of
tissue resources most likely to meet their requirements. When no match is obtained, the
researcher is referred to the NCI Tissue Expediter
(tissexp@mail.nih.gov). The Tissue expediter is a scientist who can
help researchers identify appropriate resources and/or appropriate collaborators.