LF Biobank Sample Collection in Huntsville, AL!
If you are in the Huntsville, Alabama area, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to a resource that will support scientific research for years to come! Everyone can make a difference. Whether you have Lipedema or not, we invite you to participate in this Biobank event. Consider inviting a female family member, friend, colleague, or member of your support network to participate alongside you and share in the effort to advance Lipedema research.
Participants with and without Lipedema all play an important role in helping researchers better understand the condition and identify factors that may contribute to its development.
Every participant and every sample collected is a powerful step forward in advancing Lipedema research.
Biobanks collect, store, and share biological samples and data to support scientific research, and they are a foundational tool to advance medical discoveries. These samples will contribute to ongoing efforts to discover the cause(s), progression, and potential treatments for Lipedema.
Recruiting participants who are 18 years of age or older and:
Females with or without Lipedema
Males with a confirmed diagnosis of Lipedema
Females with Obesity
Females with Lymphedema
Female members of the medical community, including healthcare professionals and clinic staff
Female members of the caregiving, advocacy, and support communities who are willing to contribute to this important research
Participants will contribute to research through:
Blood Collection
Physical Exam
Survey
For this event, we are looking for participants who have never before submitted samples or data to the Lipedema Foundation Biobank.
Research Location
802 Shoney Drive SW Ste A
Huntsville, AL 35801
Conveniently located near the Parkway Place Mall, the Shoney Drive clinic is on the ground level with easy access and parking near the door.
Tuesday, July 21 and Wednesday July 22, 2026
Appointments available between 7:00am - 3:00pm
Live Research Event
Participants will be asked to provide a blood sample, complete a health and lifestyle survey, and undergo a physical exam, which will include body measurements, palpation/feeling of the fat in several body areas, discussion of symptoms, and several other standard exam procedures. Please note that the exam is for research purposes only and cannot be used for medical diagnosis and/or clinical treatment. Results cannot be released to the participant at the conclusion of the exam.
Participants will need to disrobe prior to participating in the study. Changing areas and medical gowns will be available. Participants may wish to wear conservative, opaque undergarments. To expedite the process, please arrive without compression garments if possible.
Having undergone liposuction in the past does not exclude you from participating in these studies.
Sign Up!
Eligible participants include females with or without Lipedema, males with a confirmed Lipedema diagnosis, females with Obesity or Lymphedema, and female members of the medical, caregiving, advocacy, and support communities who are interested in contributing to this important research.
For this event, we are looking for participants who have never before submitted samples or data to the Lipedema Foundation Biobank.
Please arrive for your assigned time 5 minutes early and without compression garments on (if possible).
-
Sign up to participate in the event here.
To participate, we ask that all individuals register in advance to reserve an appointment time and complete a brief virtual enrollment session before their on-site research visit. -
Absolutely. You can review the consent here.
Prior to your appointment, you must complete a brief virtual enrollment session before their on-site research visit.
-
Participants will:
Provide a blood sample
Complete a health and lifestyle survey
Undergo a research exam, including body measurements, palpation (gentle examination of fat tissue in certain areas), and several other standard exam procedures.
*The research exam is conducted by a clinician for study purposes only and cannot be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
-
We expect the full on-site experience to take approximately 45-60 minutes.
-
For this event, we are looking for participants who have never before submitted samples or data to the Lipedema Foundation Biobank.
Expanding participation to new individuals helps increase the diversity of our biobank and strengthens the research by ensuring that samples represent a broader range of experiences, backgrounds, and health profiles.
-
Consider wearing opaque undergarments, if it would make you more comfortable.
If possible, arrive without compression garments to expedite the process.
A changing area and medical gowns will be available.
-
Before your on-site research appointment, you will need to complete a brief virtual enrollment session with a member of our team. This session is a required part of the study enrollment process and helps ensure that your on-site visit runs smoothly.
During the virtual session, we will:
Review the study and research participation process
Explain the consent form and answer any questions you may have
Assist you with accessing the secure participant portal
Help you begin or complete the participant questionnaire, which collects information about your health and lifestyle
To participate, you will need to join the session via Zoom and have access to your email during the meeting.
Please use this scheduling link to select a date and time for your virtual enrollment session. This session must be completed prior to your on-site research appointment.
-
Male participants should have a prior diagnosis.
Females with or without a formal diagnosis of Lipedema are welcome.
Females without Lipedema also play a critical role in advancing research, helping scientists better understand the condition and move closer to improved diagnosis and treatment for those affected by Lipedema. Consider inviting a female friend, family member, colleague, or member of your support network to join you in this shared effort to advance Lipedema research. -
Yes! A history of liposuction does not exclude you from participating.
-
No. The physical exam is for study purposes only and cannot be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Results cannot be provided to participants.
-
For any questions, feel free to reach out to biobank@lipedema.org.