Open AccessBiobanking in microbiology: From sample collection to epidemiology, diagnosis and research
Author(s) -
Paoli Paolo
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
fems microbiology reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.91
H-Index - 212
eISSN - 1574-6976
pISSN - 0168-6445
DOI - 10.1016/j.femsre.2005.01.005
Subject(s) - biobank , sample (material) , quality assurance , biorepository , biology , standardization , identification (biology) , quality (philosophy) , medical physics , data science , computational biology , microbiology and biotechnology , computer science , bioinformatics , medicine , pathology , ecology , philosophy , chemistry , epistemology , external quality assessment , chromatography , operating system
Millions of biological samples, including cells of human, animal or bacterial origin, viruses, serum/plasma or DNA/RNA, are stored every year throughout the world for diagnostics and research. The purpose of this review is to summarize the resources necessary to set up a biobanking facility, the challenges and pitfalls of sample collection, and the most important techniques for separation and storage of samples. Biological samples can be stored for up to 30 years, but specific protocols are required to reduce the damage induced by preservation techniques. Software dedicated to biological banks facilitate sample registration and identification, the cataloguing of sample properties (type of sample/specimen, associated diseases and/or therapeutic protocols, environmental information, etc.), sample tracking, quality assurance and specimen availability. Biobank facilities must adopt good laboratory practices and a stringent quality control system and, when required, comply with ethical issues.