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Further info about the VLA Biological Archive
VLA Biological Archive (formerly known as the TSE Archive
The Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) Archive was set up in 1996 and is tasked by Defra to receive, collate, archive, store and manage the supply of tissue samples and fluids in support of international TSE research groups working towards the development and validation of TSE diagnostic tests.
The Archive receives and stores a range of animal tissues and fluids collected ante- and post-mortem from UK field cases and some experimental programmes.
The Archive is the largest and most comprehensive store of TSE material worldwide and operates to a quality management system compliant with ISO9001: 2000.
Requests to the Archive are subject to review by the Independent Archive Advisory Group (IAAG). IAAG provides an external review to ensure all requests are dealt with in a fair and transparent manner.
Requests to supply are circulated by the Archive to IAAG electronically. A limited response time of ten working days is the norm for the Archive Head to gather a consensus view and decide upon an appropriate method of supply (if approved). The Archive office will immediately notify the requester of this outcome.
The role of IAAG has changed in recent times from authorising the release of all material to now only considering requests for some classes of TSE samples. As demand for TSE research and test development has slowed down, the work of the TSE Archive has also undergone considerable change. Now known as the VLA Biological Archive, the facility stores and maintains material from a broad portfolio of VLA work. To facilitate these changes, a considerable quantity of TSE samples has been sent for disposal / or free transfer to other groups. The IAAG advises on the prioritisation of material for retention.
For further information please email us tsearchive@vla.defra.gov.uk