Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Muestra biológica
Biospecimen (BY-oh-SPEH-sih-men)
Samples of material, such as urine, blood, tissue, cells, DNA, RNA, and protein from humans, animals, or plants. Biospecimens are stored in a biorepository and are used for laboratory research. If the samples are from people, medical information may also be stored along with a written consent to use the samples in laboratory studies.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.