Collections of biological samples

The first step in setting up a sample collection is to identify the partner(s) with both access to patients with the disease of interest, and also the technical capacity to collect the type of biological samples required.

Biobanks will typically be able to respond individually to certain requests, and collectively to requests that require expertise or resources not available to them. This is particularly the case for specialized biobanks such as tumor banks, cell banks, serum banks, etc.

Since these are biological samples, the request must be motivated, clear, and included in a proposal that can be shared with the biobank. The required information generally relates to the nature of the project in which the biological collection is to be built up, the number and types of clinical samples desired, the processing and preparation of the samples for analysis, etc. The information should be provided in a clear and concise manner.

The biobank can decide for or against the setting up of the project; the files are submitted to a scientific committee, which must give its approval before proceeding with the project. If the project continues, a feasibility study is carried out to determine whether the biobank has the technical capacity for the application. A financial estimate, as well as the drafting of a contract is carried out by the biobank in order to finalize the agreement between the parties. Finally, the biobank puts in place the internal operating procedure for collection, reception, storage and preparation of the biological resources until they are taken over.