Biorepositories or Biobanks contain biological samples and associated information like clinical-pathological, epidemiological and biomolecular data that are essential for the human health and translational research. Biospecimen are a precious and irreplaceable resource for cancer research and no discovery can achieve its full force without use of human biospecimen. It has been observed that successful discoveries in lab and on animals often fail when applied on human.

Biobanking process is very crucial; it requires tremendous efforts in context of ethics, laboratory management and technical proficiency. Blood samples and/or other biological materials are collected in hospital after due permission of the donor in written. Donor’s identity is kept confidential and unique identification number (UIN) and/or bar code is used to protect their privacy. Collected samples are further divided into tiny amounts (aliquots) for the maximum utilization of the sample. Biosamples are stored in liquid nitrogen or mechanical freezer to preserve RNA, DNA and proteins. Donor’s details- pathological, clinical and demographical are recorded and linked with stored samples.

Successful completion of Human genome project paved the way in landmark breakthroughs in translational research and health care discoveries. However, the research cannot make possible medical breakthroughs in the absence of high quality and large number of biological samples and associated information.

Thus, it will not be wrong to say that Biorepositories form the cornerstone for translational research and well equipped biorepositories are must for the advancement in translational research.

Biobank RGCI Biorepository RGCIRC Tissue bank

Last modified: 06/07/2017