Postmortem Human Brain Collection – Central Virginia District

Background Information: The mission of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure. For the Institute to continue fulfilling this vital public health mission, it must foster innovative thinking and ensure that a full array of novel scientific perspectives are used to further discovery in the evolving science of brain, behavior, and experience. In this way, breakthroughs in science can become breakthroughs for all people with mental illnesses. The Human Brain Collection Core (HBCC) requests the services of the Virginia State Department of Health/Richmond MEO, the Contractor to extract human postmortem human brain tissue, various specimens at autopsy, and provide medical/toxicology information essential for research into the neurobiology of major mental disorders. The donated by next-of kin postmortem human brain tissue and specimens will be used by the HBCC and approved investigators for research into the neurobiology of complex mental disorders. This research will lead to improved diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention of these illnesses and their consequences. The purpose of this project is to extract consented postmortem brain tissues for research at NIH and for distribution to authorized investigators to conduct studies on neuropsychiatric disorders. The HBCC in the National Institute of Mental Health explores the causes, consequences and potential treatments of numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders. As a core facility, the HBCC distributes tissue samples and data to other investigators to stimulate research. Purpose and Objectives for the Acquisition: The Human Brain Collection Core (HBCC) requests the services of the Virginia State Department of Health/Richmond MEO, the Contractor to extract human postmortem human brain tissue, various specimens at autopsy, and provide medical/toxicology information essential for research into the neurobiology of major mental disorders. The donated by next-of kin postmortem human brain tissue and specimens will be used by the HBCC and approved investigators for research into the neurobiology of complex mental disorders. This research will lead to improved diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention of these illnesses and their consequences. Project Description/Scope of Work: The Virginia Medical Examiner's Office (Richmond ME), the Contractor will collect human brains and specimens that may be of interest to the NIMH for research into the neurobiology of major mental disorders. The donated human brains and specimens will be used by the Human Brain Collection Core (HBCC) for research into the neurobiology of complex mental disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, depression, substance abuse and suicide) in order to better understand the basis of these disorders. This research will hopefully lead to improved diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention of these illnesses and their consequences, including suicide. On a daily basis, the Richmond ME Contractor, will review each case for potential donation to determine which cases may be of interest to HBCC research, in particular those who have signed organ donor cards and others with a reasonable suspicion of a history of mental or neurological illness, particularly schizophrenia as well as non-psychiatric controls across the lifespan. Once a case is selected, Richmond ME will contact HBCC personnel and will provide: 1) the general background of the case; 2) information regarding whether the deceased is an organ donor; and 3) the name and telephone number of the deceased next-of-kin. HBCC staff will promptly contact the next-of-kin of the decedent to obtain consent (via a recorded telephone call) to utilize the deceased subject's brain and skull contents (including dura, pituitary, pineal, and upper cervical spinal cord), blood and hair sample for research. HBCC staff will also solicit the release medical records. Once consent is obtained by HBCC personnel, the Richmond ME is notified to extract the brain, a full-length hair sample with a small piece of contiguous scalp, and 40cc of blood. The Richmond ME will begin extraction promptly upon notification of approval from the NIMH; whenever possible, the process should begin within 24 hours of death; unless approved by the NIMH Project Officer, specimens extracted beyond 48 hours cannot be accepted for donation. The Richmond ME will provide to the HBCC any relevant information related to a specimen including cause and manner of death, relevant history and/or toxicology in order to allow optimal characterization of the specimen, provided this information does not compromise the forensic evaluation of the case. The specimens will be shipped by the Richmond ME to the NIMH. Prior to shipping, the NIMH shall be contacted with shipping details, including the overnight courier tracking number. The Richmond ME will properly prepare and package the specimen in accordance with all Federal, State and City regulation. Required Contractor Experience: 1. The contractor has a medical degree and specializes in forensic pathology. The contractor has experience working at the Medical Examiner Office and extracting human brains. 2. The contractor is a medical doctor, and a certified pathologist in Virginia. 3. A minimum of five years of experience in MEO is required. Deliverables: Timely submission of deliverables is essential to successful completing this requirement. The contractor will begin extraction promptly upon notification of approval from the NIMH; whenever possible, the process should begin within 24 hours of death; unless approved by the NIMH Project Officer, specimens extracted beyond 48 hours cannot be accepted for donation. The contractor will provide to the HBCC any relevant information related to a specimen including cause and manner of death, relevant history and/or toxicology in order to allow optimal characterization of the specimen, provided this information does not compromise the forensic evaluation of the case. The specimens will be shipped by the contractor to the NIMH. Prior to shipping, the NIMH shall be contacted with shipping details, including the overnight courier tracking number. The Laboratory of Neuropsychology, NIMH share full ownership of all deliverables provided under this contract including reports and data Government Responsibilities: HBCC NIMH will provide neuropathology reports after the examination of the donated cases. Macroscopic reports will be provided within 48 hours from the time of obtaining brain tissues, and microscopic reports will be provided in 2-3 months. The contractor will have the right to use the data on neuropathological examination of the brain collected at the NIMH, and will use these data as part of autopsy report. Anticipated period of performance: The anticipated period of performance is one year (12 months) from date of award.