How Many Types of Biobanks Are There?

Key Takeaways

• There isn’t a single universal classification of biobanks; they vary by their purpose, scale, and the types of specimens they collect, reflecting the diversity of research needs.
• One common way to categorize biobanks is by purpose: disease-oriented biobanks focus on collecting samples from patients with specific conditions, like cancer or diabetes, to study disease biology and therapies.
• Population-based biobanks collect samples and health data from large general cohorts to investigate how genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors influence health and disease across populations.
• Virtual biobanks don’t physically store specimens; instead, they act as centralized databases or catalogs that connect researchers with samples stored at multiple sites.
• Biobanks can also be described by the type of biological material they house — such as tissue banks, blood banks, or DNA biobanks — and many modern facilities are hybrids storing multiple specimen types.

There are many types of biobanks, and they can be classified in different ways depending on their purpose, the types of specimens they collect, or the populations they serve. There is no single universal classification, but understanding the different models is essential for comprehending the vast scope of modern biobanking. For example, biobanks can be categorized by their scale, from small, local collections to large, international networks. They can also be classified by their primary focus, which can range from a specific disease to a general population. Regardless of the type, the use of dedicated biobank software is a common requirement for their successful operation.

One of the most common ways to classify biobanks is by their purpose. A disease-oriented biobank focuses on collecting samples from patients with a specific condition, such as cancer or diabetes. These collections are invaluable for studying the progression of a disease, identifying biomarkers, and developing targeted therapies. In contrast, a population-based biobank collects samples and data from a large cohort of the general population. The goal of these biobanks is to understand the complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors in health and disease. Another type is a virtual biobank, which does not physically store specimens but acts as a centralized database that provides a directory of samples stored in various locations, connecting researchers with the resources they need.

Biobanks can also be classified by the types of biological materials they store. A tissue bank focuses on the collection and preservation of human tissue, often for cancer research. A blood bank stores whole blood, plasma, and other blood components. A DNA biobank specializes in storing DNA samples for genetic research. In reality, many modern biobanks are hybrid models that store multiple types of specimens and data, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary research. The system used to manage a biobank must be flexible enough to handle this diversity of specimens and data, ensuring all information is meticulously tracked and accessible.

Benefits of Biobanking

Biobanking offers significant benefits of biobanking that are essential for the advancement of modern research and public health. A biobank provides a centralized, high-quality resource of biological materials that can be used for large-scale studies. This allows researchers to access samples from diverse populations and to study diseases on a scale that was not possible in the past. This access is crucial for understanding the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to disease, and for the development of new diagnostic tools and therapies. Without a centralized repository of samples and data, researchers would have to rely on small-scale, individual collections, which can lead to fragmented and inconclusive results.

To understand the scale of modern biobanking, consider some of the largest biobanks in the world. These massive collections are enabling groundbreaking research on a global scale. The UK Biobank, for example, is a health resource that contains blood, urine, and saliva samples from half a million volunteers. The resource also includes detailed information on their health, lifestyle, and environment. This vast collection is being used to study a wide range of common diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. The sheer size and depth of the data in the UK Biobank allow researchers to identify subtle genetic variations and environmental exposures that would be impossible to detect in a smaller study.

The benefits of these large biobanks are not limited to academic research. They also contribute to public health by providing a resource for surveillance and for the development of new public health policies. By studying large populations, researchers can identify emerging health trends and develop strategies for prevention and intervention. The data from these collections can also be used to validate new diagnostic tests and ensures new therapies are safe and effective. The work of biobanks is a long-term investment in public health, providing a resource will be used for many years to come to improve health outcomes for millions of people.

How to Set Up a Biobank

Setting up a biobank is a complex undertaking that requires careful planning, dedicated resources, and a clear understanding of your goals. The process involves multiple steps, from defining the scope of your collection to establishing the necessary infrastructure and ethical guidelines. Before you begin, you should have a clear vision of what your biobank will be used for, what types of samples you will collect, and who will be the primary users of the resource. A well-defined mission will guide all your decisions.

The biobank history is filled with examples of how biobanking has evolved from informal collections to highly structured and regulated operations. Early biobanks were often small-scale, ad hoc collections that were managed with simple tools, such as spreadsheets and paper logs. Over time, as the value of these collections became apparent, the need for a more systematic and rigorous approach emerged. Today, a modern biobank requires a robust management system that can handle the complexity of the data and the specimens. Even a small manual error can have serious clinical implications. In one study, ~7% of lab results entered by hand did not match the instrument’s output, and 14% of those errors were clinically significant. This shows why a modern, automated system is essential.

You must also establish clear ethical guidelines and obtain the necessary institutional approvals. This includes developing a consent form that clearly explains to donors how their samples will be used, how their privacy will be protected, and their right to withdraw their consent at any time. You must also establish a system for managing the chain of custody of every specimen, from the moment it is collected until its final use. This requires a dedicated biobank software that can track every action and provide a full audit trail. You will also need to invest in the necessary infrastructure, including freezers, liquid nitrogen tanks, and other equipment for long-term storage.

Choosing the Right Biobank Software

Selecting the best biobank software is a strategic decision that requires careful consideration of your needs and the vendor’s capabilities. You should consider a solution that offers a comprehensive approach to managing both physical biospecimens and their associated data. The ideal system will provide a full audit trail, robust data security, and the flexibility to adapt to your unique workflows. When you seek a new solution, consider the advanced capabilities of the SoftLIMS® and SoftBiobank® products from SCC Soft Computer. These products are designed to address the specific needs of modern biobanks, offering robust tools for sample tracking, data management, and regulatory compliance.

FAQ