Overview
A biobank stores biological samples that give researchers the power to study molecular characteristics of actual disease – then correlate those patterns with what is known about clinical progression. Researchers use samples to:
- Identify and validate drug targets
- Target disease mechanisms
- Develop screening tests for biomarkers linked to disease sub-types
- Group patients based on genetic characteristics and likelihood of positive response to testing of new drugs
- Group patients based on disease biomarkers to determine appropriate treatment
Typical Pathway
Brooks Solutions
- Preparation variables introduced before and during biological stabilization of the sample include time at-room temperature, temperature of the room, type of fixative, time in fixative, method and rate of freezing, and size of aliquots
- Success of downstream applications based on material, preservative, processing, and required derivatives
- Storage temperature and duration may impact sample quality if dehydration, desiccation, or oxidation occur
- Consider container, temperature, time and expected retrieval needs for downstream assays
- A quality sample tube is paramount as the first line of defense for sample integrity
- Remove frost as needed to read all tubes on a whole rack reader
- Even with a single analytic method, each investigator and technician involved in sample analysis may contribute to analysis variation
- Establish baseline sample characterization, integrate biomarker results, and perform quality checks for test and controls to avoid extreme variation
- Share pre-analytical variables, accessibility rules, and timely information with research collaborators