National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Serum, Plasma, and Urine Specimens

Specimens listed on this page are currently available for approved research projects. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/spu-specimens/index.html to learn more.

Serum, Plasma, and Urine Specimen Repository

Serum, plasma, and urine specimens are obtained from NHANES study participants aged six years and older who have given consent for their specimens to be used in future studies. Serum specimens are currently available from NHANES III (1988-1994); and serum, urine, and a limited number of plasma specimens are available from continuous NHANES (1999-present). Specimens from participants aged 1-5 years are limited but may be available in some years from 1999-present. In total, there are over 1 million combined serum, plasma, and urine specimens available. For more information on recent availability of biospecimens by age and survey years, please see the tables below.

Proposal Guidelines

Results of studies using stored biospecimens are not reported back to the participant. Therefore, all proposals seeking the use of NHANES serum, plasma, or urine for must not produce laboratory results that are clinically significant to the NHANES participant. Clinical significance is defined as:
- The test is performed by a CLIA-certified laboratory deeming the findings valid,
- 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 and lack of clinical significance to the NHANES participant. The proposal is then reviewed by the NCHS Human Subjects Contact, Confidentiality Officer, and Ethics Review Board (ERB) for any potential human subjects or confidentiality concerns.

Please see the Federal Registerexternal icon for more details on the proposal requirements and for evaluation criteria. For more information on the current availability of biospecimens or questions about the proposal requirements, please contact the NHANES Biospecimen Program.

Please use the proposal template [PDF – 118 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 2-6 months.

What happens after my proposal is approved?

The NHANES Project Officer will contact you to arrange the transfer of biospecimens after an agreement has been signed (i.e., Inter-Agency Agreement or a Materials Transfer Agreement-Memorandum of Understanding). An interagency agreement will be developed to transfer funds for federal agencies or an invoice will be sent for the cost of the biospecimens 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 analytes of public health concern using the survey sample weights. Case-control studies are discouraged.

Can specimens be used for public health emergencies?

Yes, please e-mail the NHANES Biospecimen Program early in your proposal process to see if the program fits your study’s needs.

How much does it cost to use stored biospecimens?

The current cost is $15.00 per vial. Updates to the cost structure are posted in the Federal Register Notice.

Is there a time limit on how long I can use the serum, plasma, and urine specimens?

You must submit a progress report annually and if work continues beyond five years a new protocol may need to be submitted. Projects are expected to show progress. Projects not showing progress for two years or more may be asked to provide a justification for delay or return or dispose of specimens, as directed by NHANES.