The Foundation for Blood Research conducts grant-funded applied medical research and educational programs with a public health or preventive medicine orientation.
FBR scientists guide research activities supported by the Biometry, Computer Services, and Education Divisions.
Three Clinical Laboratories, the Education Division, and the Biomedical Library provide the setting for FBR's research.
The Rheumatic Disease Laboratory (RDL) focuses on identification of protein and immunological markers in serum, urine, and other body fluids, correlating their levels and concentrations relative to other proteins, with clinical diagnoses. The RDL has an international reputation for excellence in this area.
The main focus of the Prenatal Screening Laboratory (PSL) is to distinguish pregnancies at high-risk for specific conditions from those that are low-risk using serum markers. The PSL is regarded highly not only for its quality laboratory analyses but also for the public health context in which clinical and research tests are applied.
The Molecular Genetics Laboratory (MGL) shares the PSL's interest in prenatal screening. Using DNA analysis, it identifies pregnancies at risk for an outcome of cystic fibrosis (CF). The MGL pioneered a simplified, couples-based approach to prenatal screening preferred by many practices over the standard CF carrier testing.
The primary focus of the grant-funded research in the Education Division through ScienceWorks for ME is to develop innovative science education materials and professional development opportunities for teachers and students in Maine.
The primary focus of the Biomedical Library is to provide a unique, specialized, and dynamic collection of resources that enhance the scientific research.