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Oxford Cell and Tissue Biobank

Tissue donation in the Oxford region is organised by the Oxford Cell and Tissue Biobank, formerly known as the 'Heart Valve Bank'.

The Oxford Cell and Tissue Biobank opened in 1990. It is based at John Radcliffe Hospital site in the Oxford Heart Centre. It has a state of the art 'clean room' suite and adjoining office and cryopreservation freezer storage rooms.

The Oxford bank has gradually developed from a heart valve tissue bank into a multi-tissue bank, which now works in partnership between various specialties in the OUH and the University of Oxford.

We have a clinical ovarian tissue cryopreservation service for young girls and women, and a testicular tissue cryopreservation service for boys, embedded within an active research programme.

We also co-ordinate the donation of:

  • cardiovascular tissue for transplant and research
  • brains and spinal cords for research
  • other tissues for research.

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