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BANK CF

BANK CF is a dedicated biobank established to collect and store biological samples to support research that improves the respiratory health of children and families.

BANK CF is a dedicated biobank established to collect and store biological samples to support research that improves the respiratory health of children and families.

The purpose of BANK CF is to enable high-quality, ethically approved research by providing researchers with access to biospecimens and linked data from children with CF, as well as from children without CF who act as control participants.

Background 

BANK CF was created to provide a resource for high-quality biomedical research. By storing biological samples, including bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, blood derivatives, urine, and primary cells, alongside associated health information, such as lung function measurements and patient-reported outcomes, we aim to enable research that can improve understanding of respiratory diseases, treatments, and health outcomes in children. The biobank incorporates material collected through CF clinical programs across multiple sites, including CAHS in Western Australia and interstate partner institutions.

The biobank supports both current and future research projects. This includes studies aimed at understanding disease mechanisms, developing new therapies, and improving child health outcomes. The scope of research is broad, encompassing projects related to cystic fibrosis, other respiratory disease or other unspecified research. The biobank tracks outcomes from all approved research and shares findings with the scientific community and the public.

BANK CF is structured to ensure secure storage, proper management, and ethical use of all samples. Samples are collected, processed, and stored under controlled conditions. The biobank is managed by experienced researchers and governance staff to maintain high standards of quality and safety.

Ethics Approval

BANK CF, The Respiratory Centre’s Cystic Fibrosis Biobank has been established, governed and managed in accordance with applicable domestic law, and guidelines.

All research in Australia involving humans is reviewed by an independent group of people called a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). The establishment and operation of the biobank have been approved by the Child and Adolescent Health Service HREC. BANK CF will be carried out according to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025).

Ownership of Samples

Participation in the biobank is voluntary. Individuals or families participating in clinical studies and interested in contributing samples are provided with detailed information about the process.

The samples stored in BANK CF are owned by the participants who donate them. Donors retain the right to withdraw their samples at any time, and their samples will be removed or destroyed according to the biobank’s policies. The biobank is responsible for managing and safeguarding these samples on behalf of the participants.

The Kids Research Institute Australia is the sponsor of BANK CF and is responsible for the oversight of the biobank. 

Funding and Support

BANK CF is funded through government grants, philanthropic support, institutional funding and a cost recovery fee model. This funding ensures the biobank can operate sustainably and continue supporting valuable research projects.

Sample Management

Access to BANK CF resources is governed by the Scientific Management Committee (SMC). The SMC comprises Principal Investigators, scientific researchers, contributing organisation representatives, and consumer representatives.

The SMC provides governance and oversight of research activities using resources held within the BANK CF Biobank. The Committee ensures that research is scientifically rigorous, ethically sound, consistent with participant consent, and aligned with the objectives of BANK CF.

Access for Researchers

Researchers interested in accessing BANK CF samples and associated data are required to submit a research proposal for review. Access is granted based on ethical approval, scientific merit, and alignment with the research objectives of the biobank.

The BANK CF Access Request Form is available here.

If you are unsure which samples or data may be available to support your research, please contact the BANK CF team at BANKCF@thekids.org.au. We are happy to discuss your research requirements and help identify potentially suitable resources.

Scope of Research

BANK CF resources are available to support projects focused on:

  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Respiratory health and disease
  • General research projects

Samples have been collected longitudinally from participants with CF. Samples from non-CF participants are also available as controls at single time points and are restricted to research related to CF.

Samples Available

BANK CF contains the following sample types from CF and non-CF participants:

  • Blood
  • Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)

Additional sample types available from CF participants, include:

  • Urine
  • Primary cell lines derived from nasal and tracheal brushings
  • Exhaled breath condensate

Associated Clinical and Research Data

BANK CF samples are supported by associated clinical and research data, which include:

  • Spirometry and other lung function measures
  • Sweat test results
  • Faecal elastase
  • Questionnaire data
  • Respiratory microbiology
  • Inflammatory markers, including neutrophil elastase and IL-8
  • BAL cytology
  • Oxidative stress measures

Availability of specific samples and data will depend on participant consent, sample availability, and the requirements of the approved research project.

Further Information

For questions, sample requests or more information about BANK CF, including participation and research inquiries, please contact the BANK CF team at BANKCF@thekids.org.au.

Alternatively, a member of the biobank research team can be contacted, by calling The Kids Research Institute Australia on (08) 6319 1000.