Centralization of the IARC Biobank: Combining Multiple Sample Collections into a Common Platform.

Centralization of the IARC Biobank: Combining Multiple Sample Collections into a Common Platform. Biopreserv Biobank. 2019 May 15;: Authors: Mendy M, Caboux E, Wild CP, IARC Biobank Steering Committee Members Abstract The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is the World Health Organization's (WHO) cancer research agency. The agency conducts research on cancer with worldwide collaborations, adopting a multidisciplinary approach of epidemiology and laboratory-based studies on cancer causes, as well as preventive interventions. The IARC Biobank stores multiple collections of samples and conducts preanalytical services for studies conducted worldwide in support of the research activities. Traditionally, the multiple collections from these studies were managed by the individual research groups in different project-specific databases. In 2010, a program to centralize sample collections into a single platform was initiated by adopting a common database with the introduction of a minimum dataset for sample collections received at IARC. The process involved checking data files, verifying the storage location of samples, conducting data harmonization, and importing or migrating existing data from project-specific spreadsheets and databases into the common database. In addition to the creation of a common biobank database and an up-to-date inventory of IARC's biological resources, a governance structure was established. The creat...
Source: Biopreservation and Biobanking - Category: Biomedical Science Tags: Biopreserv Biobank Source Type: research