Introduction

The Standard PREanalytical Code (SPREC), developed by the ISBER Biospecimen Science Working Group, is a standardized syntax used to track and record the pre-analytical variables of biospecimens. The code is calculated by evaluating specific data points gathered during sample collection, processing, and storage.

How to calculate SPREC code in OpenSpecimen?

To calculate SPREC codes, you need:

1. Document the values of the fields that are needed to calculate the SPREC code (there are many fields needed)

2. Configure OpenSpecimen to calculate the SPREC code

Step 1: Data needed to calculate the SPREC code

Collecting data required for SPREC is the main challenge. The required fields are many and differ between fluid and tissue. Please refer to ISBER’s documentation for more details. In OpenSpecimen, you might have to create custom fields for SPREC.

There will be three types of fields:

1. Standard fields (e.g., specimen type, collection container, etc)

2. Calculated fields (e.g., warm ischemia time)

3. New custom fields (that dont fall in the above two)

Step 2: Configuring OpenSpecimen

Automating the SPREC code natively within OpenSpecimen is not part of the standard out-of-the-box configuration. None of our customers have done it so far.

Once you complete the data collection mapping in Step 1, our team will collaborate closely with you in Step 2 to implement it, likely using the reporting module's calculated fields.

You can log a support ticket after completing Step 1. Our support team will work with you on Step 2.