The GAPPS Repository

A Vital Resource for Global Health Researchers

Quick Overview

The GAPPS Repository, in collaboration with our collection network and Seattle Children's Research Insitute, is collecting maternal blood, urine, vaginal swabs, cord blood and placental tissues. We only collect what is already being collected as part of the woman’s standard prenatal care—we are just asking for a little extra at the time of the blood draw. If amniocentesis is medically indicated, we are taking any left over fluid that is not needed for medical purposes.

In addition, we are asking women to complete 3 comprehensive questionnaires: 2 during pregnancy and 1 at their postpartum visit. Other phenotypic data is collected from the maternal and newborn medical records. We expect to begin distributing data and specimens in early 2011. Interested investigators will be able to query information on what is available and will be able to submit requests for data/specimens.

It is a prospective cohort of pregnant women followed throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. We are collecting maternal specimens that will be linked to phenotypic data. These will be available to researchers worldwide to conduct a variety of studies utilizing the new tools of systems biology, including genomics, proteomics, epigenetics, and more.

Vital Resource for Researchers Worldwide

• Creates a vital resource for researchers exploring the causes of preterm labor and stillbirth
• Supports research in genetics, proteomics, biology, epidemiology, translational development, pathophysiology, ethics & social justice, and healthcare delivery
• Provides a new global resource to inspire technological innovations for improving maternal and newborn health (e.g., new diagnostics, therapeutics, and prevention)

Researchers worldwide have a critical need for diverse high-quality prenatal and postnatal information. GAPPS is building a significant global collection of prospective data and specimens linked to phenotypic data from pregnant women and newborns. This collection will provide a vital resource for international researchers aiming to understand and prevent preterm birth and stillbirth. This information will also be accessible to researchers studying related maternal, newborn and child health issues.

The GAPPS Repository centralizes data management, standardizes collection processes, and provides these data and samples to answer a variety of research questions. Other collections are typically designed to answer a specific research question, and are not accessible or standardized.

The GAPPS Repository is also becoming a model for enhancing research capacities and strengthening research infrastructure globally. GAPPS launched the repository with sites in Washington state.