title: World Endometriosis Research Foundation Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project: IV. Tissue collection, processing, and storage in endometriosis research.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To harmonize standard operating procedures (SOPs) and standardize the recording of associated data for collection, processing, and storage of human tissues relevant to endometriosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  An international collaboration involving 34 clinical/academic centers and three industry collaborators from 16 countries on five continents.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2013, two workshops were conducted followed by global consultation, bringing together 54 leaders in endometriosis research and sample processing from around the world.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  Consensus SOPs were based on: 1) systematic comparison of SOPs from 24 global centers collecting tissue samples from women with and without endometriosis on a medium or large scale (publication on >100 cases); 2) literature evidence where available, or consultation with laboratory experts otherwise; and 3) several global consultation rounds.
  
  
  METHODS
  Standard recommended and minimum required SOPs for tissue collection, processing, and storage in endometriosis research.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We developed "recommended standard" and "minimum required" SOPs for the collection, processing, and storage of ectopic and eutopic endometrium, peritoneum, and myometrium, and a biospecimen data collection form necessary for interpretation of sample-derived results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The EPHect SOPs allow endometriosis research centers to decrease variability in tissue-based results, facilitating between-center comparisons and collaborations. The procedures are also relevant to research into other gynecologic conditions involving endometrium, myometrium, and peritoneum. The consensus SOPs are based on the best available evidence; areas with limited evidence are identified as requiring further pilot studies. The SOPs will be reviewed based on investigator feedback and through systematic triannual follow-up. Updated versions will be made available at: http://endometriosisfoundation.org/ephect.
authors.affiliation: Organ Systems, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Amelie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fassbender
authors.affiliation: Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Nilufer
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rahmioglu
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Boston Center for Endometriosis, Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Allison F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Vitonis
authors.affiliation: Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Viganò
authors.affiliation: University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF), London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Linda C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Giudice
authors.affiliation: Organ Systems, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Thomas M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: D'Hooghe
authors.affiliation: World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF), London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Lone
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hummelshoj
authors.affiliation: World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF), London, United Kingdom; Palo Alto Medical Foundation Fertility Physicians of Northern California, Palo Alto, California.
authors.forename: G David
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Adamson
authors.affiliation: Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Endometriosis Care Centre Oxford, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Christian M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Boston Center for Endometriosis, Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Stacey A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Missmer
authors.affiliation: Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Endometriosis Care Centre Oxford, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom. Electronic address: krinaz@well.ox.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Krina T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Zondervan
mesh_terms: D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000592:standards*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000592:standards*; D014015:Tissue Banks / Q000592:standards*
keywords: EPHect; Endometriosis; standard operating procedures; standardization; tissue