Serum, Plasma, and Urine Specimens
Serum, Plasma, and Urine Specimens Repository
Serum, plasma, and urine specimens are obtained from NHANES study participants ages six years and older who have given consent for their specimens to be used in future research studies. Serum specimens are currently available from NHANES III (Fall 1988 - Fall 1994); and serum, urine, and a limited amount of plasma specimens are available from continuous NHANES (1999 - present). Serum specimens are also available for participants ages 3-5 years. Serum specimens for participants ages 0-2 years are available only from NHANES 2003-2006. In total, we have over 1 million combined serum, plasma, and urine specimens available. Please see the specimen tables below for more information.
- Surplus Specimen Table [PDF - 34 KB]
- Pristine Specimen Table [PDF - 34 KB]
- Pristine and Surplus Specimen NHANES III Table [PDF - 48 KB]
- Surplus Specimen Ages 0-2 years Table [PDF - 41 KB]
Research Proposal Guidelines
- All proposals seeking the use of NHANES serum, plasma, or urine for research must not produce laboratory results that are clinically significant. Clinical significance is defined as:
- The findings are valid and performed by a CLIA-certified laboratory,
- The findings may have significant implications for the subjects' health concerns, and
- A course of action is readily available to ameliorate or treat the concerns.
- All proposals will be evaluated by the NHANES Project Officer and a technical panel for scientific merit. The proposal is then reviewed by the NCHS Ethics Review Board (ERB) for any potential human subjects concerns.
Please see the Federal Register [PDF-84 KB] to submit a proposal and for evaluation criteria.
Please use the proposal template [PDF - 129 KB] to write your proposal.
Submit all proposals via email to NHANES Biospecimen Program
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the evaluation process?
The entire review process can range from 2-4 months.
What happens after my proposal is approved?
The NHANES Project Officer will contact you to arrange the transfer of specimens after the Materials Transfer Agreement (MTA) has been signed. An interagency agreement will be developed to transfer funds for federal agencies, or an invoice will be sent for the cost of the specimens for non-federal institutions.
What kind of studies can I do with the NHANES biospecimens?
NHANES is a nationally representative survey and biospecimens are best utilized to determine the prevalence of laboratory markers of public health concern using the survey sample weights. Case-control studies are discouraged.
How much does it cost to use stored biospecimens?
The current cost is $8.50 per vial.
Is there a time limit on how long I can use the serum, plasma, and urine specimens?
The ERB allows the protocol to continue for five years. If additional time is needed to complete the research, a new protocol must be submitted.
Data Documentation Files using Serum, Plasma, and Urine Specimens
IgG Antibody to Hepatitis E Virus and anti-HEV Western Blot
Released: September, 2016
Food Specific IgE(s) Sera
Released: May, 2015
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Released: January, 2015
IgG and IgM Antibody to Hepatitis E Virus
Released: May, 2013
Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance
Released: August, 2012
Partial Hepatitis C Virus RNA Sequences Isolated from Individuals
Released: August, 2012
ß-trace Protein ß2 Microglobulin
Released: April, 2012
Cystatin C, ß-trace Protein ß2 Microglobulin
Released: April, 2012
Racial/Ethnic Variation in Sex Steroid Hormone Concentrations Across Age in US Men
Released: October, 2011
Inhibin B, Leuteinizing Hormone and Testosterone
Released: December, 2009
Antibody to MUMPs
Released: June, 2009
Mumps Antibody - Serum
Released: June 2009
Dialkylphosphates
Released: May, 2009
Antibody to Hepatitis E Virus IgG
Released: August, 2008
Antibody to Periodontal Pathogens
Released: August, 2008
Cystatin C
Released: May, 2007
Antibody to Human Herpes Virus 8
Released: March, 2007
Antibody to Toxocara Larva Migrans
Released: January, 2007
Insulin Like Growth Factor (IGF-I and IGF Binding Protein-3
Released: October, 2006
Racial/Ethnic Variation in Sex Steroid Hormone Concentrations Across Age in US Men
Released: October, 2006
Antibody to GAD65
Released: September, 2006
Optical Density to Cytomegalovirus
Released: May, 2006
Antibody to Cytomegalovirus IgG and IgM
Released: January, 2006
Pertussis Sera
Released: July, 2005
Urinary cytomegalovirus shedding
Released: January, 2016
Telomere Mean and Standard Deviation
Released: February, 2015
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) & Inhibin-B
Released: January, 2015
Sex Steroid Hormone - Men
Released: March, 2013
Perfluoroaokyl Chemicals - Serum
Released: September, 2012
Aflatoxin B1-lysine - Serum
Released: August, 2012
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Released: August, 2012
Autoantibodies - Immunofluorescence & Immunoprecipitation Analyses
Released: February, 2012
Folic Acid - Unmetabolized
Released: July, 2010
Mumps Antibody - Serum
Released: June, 2009
Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody
Released: March, 2009
Transferrin Receptor - Pregnant Women
Released: August, 2008
Cystatin C
Released: June, 2008
Cytomegalovirus IgG Antibodies - Serum
Released: March, 2008
Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1
Released: October, 2006
Urinary cytomegalovirus shedding
Released: January, 2016
Telomere Mean and Standard Deviation
Released: February, 2015
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) & Inhibin-B
Released: January, 2015
Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) - Pooled Samples
Released: July, 2013
Non-dioxin-like Polychlorinated Biphenyls - Pooled Samples Sera
Released: July, 2013
Sex Steroid Hormone - Men
Released: March, 2013
Perchlorate, Nitrate & Thiocyanate - Urine
Released: February, 2013
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Released: August, 2012
Autoantibodies - Immunofluorescence & Immunoprecipitation Analyses
Released: February, 2012
Thyroid Profile
Released: June, 2011
Mumps Antibody - Serum
Released: June, 2009
Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody
Released: March, 2009
Cystatin C
Released: June, 2008
Transferrin Receptor - Pregnant Women
Released: July, 2008
Cytomegalovirus IgG Antibodies - Serum
Released: March, 2008
Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1
Released: October, 2006
Standard Biochemistry Profile
Released: September, 2006
Urinary cytomegalovirus shedding
Released: January, 2016
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) & Inhibin-B
Released: January, 2015
Sex Steroid Hormone - Men
Released: March, 2013
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Released: August, 2012
Epstein-Barr Virus (VCA IgG) - Serum
Released: June, 2012
Autoantibodies - Immunofluorescence & Immunoprecipitation Analyses
Released: February, 2012
Fatty Acids - Plasma
Released: August, 2011
Melamine - Urine
Released: April, 2010
Mumps Antibody - Serum
Released: June, 2009
Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody
Released: March, 2009
Pesticides - Organochlorine Metabolites - Serum
Released: April, 2008
Cytomegalovirus IgG Antibodies - Serum
Released: March, 2008
Coxiella Burnetii (Q Fever) Antibodies - Serum
Released: February, 2008
Salmonella & Campylobacter Antibodies
Released: January, 2015
Epstein-Barr Virus (VCA IgG) - Serum
Released: June, 2012
Hepatitis C Antibody Reflex Testing - Serum
Released: February, 2015
Epstein-Barr Virus (VCA IgG) - Serum
Released: June, 2012
Urine specific gravity measurement
Released: April, 2011
Hepatitis C Antibody Reflex Testing - Serum
Released: February, 2015
Poliovirus Serotypes 1, 2, & 3 Antibodies - Serum
Released: August, 2014
Epstein-Barr Virus (VCA IgG) - Serum
Released: June, 2012
Toxoplasma Gondii Antibody - Serum
Released: January, 2016
Hepatitis C Antibody Reflex Testing - Serum
Released: February, 2015
Perfluoroaokyl Chemicals - Serum
Released: July, 2016
Publications Using Serum, Plasma, and Urine Specimens
A list of publications using data resulting from collected Sera, Plasma, and Urine specimens.
- Page last reviewed: January 18, 2017
- Page last updated: January 18, 2017
- Content source: