Quality and reporting practices in an Australian cancer biobank cohort

Review of Indicators in the Context of Biobanking

Background: Biobanks that intend to serve as high-performing and stable elements of an innovative research ecosystem must have an established system for regular measurement and evaluation using appropriately set indicators. The main objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of indicators in the context of biobanking, with new perspectives to highlight the existence of numerous options and introduce indicators that could help overcome problems associated with the difficult assessment of the impact of biobanks. Methods: A literature review was performed to identify publications relevant to the topic of indicators in biobanking. The Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed databases were searched using specific keywords. In addition, three articles that focused on indicators designed for the evaluation of research infrastructures were included in the review. Results: Based on the scientific literature for the biobanking field, many types of quantitative and qualitative indicators exist. They are mainly related to the quantity and quality of data and samples, their distribution, the monitoring of research projects, and subsequent publication outputs. The indicators identified in the biobanking literature primarily focus on the outcome, not the impact. Conclusions: Indicators identified in the biobanking literature may be further expanded with suggestions designed for other types of research infrastructures, while considering the context where biobanks operate and the needs of individual biobanking stakeholders. The establishment of a comprehensive monitoring system that captures all necessary elements is crucial for modern biobanks.

Biobanking and research quality: think locally, act globally

Although biobanks can support research across geographic and governance boundaries, biomedical researchers consistently describe preferences for either collaborating with local biobanks or establishing their own biobanks. This article summarizes the potential research impacts of local biobank use and suggests how descriptions of biospecimen provenance can be improved in research publications.

Quality Control of Preanalytical Handling of Blood Samples for Future Research: A National Survey

BACKGROUND

Assessment and control of preanalytical handling of blood samples for future research are essential to preserve integrity and assure quality of the specimens. However, investigation is limited on how quality control of preanalytical handling of blood samples is performed by biobanks.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to all Danish departments of clinical biochemistry, all Danish departments of clinical immunology, the Danish Health Surveillance Institution and the Danish Cancer Society. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding preanalytical handling of samples for future research. The survey was carried out from October 2018 until the end of January 2019.

RESULTS

A total of 22 departments (78%) replied, of which 17 (77%) performed preanalytical quality control of the blood samples. This quality control consisted of patient preparation, temperature surveillance of freezers, maintenance of centrifuges, and visual inspection for hemolysis, lipemia, and sample volume. Automated sample check for hemolysis, icterus, and lipemia interferences was performed by 41% of respondents, not performed by 50% of respondents, and 9% did not answer. The majority (55%) of the participants stated that they had no local standard operating procedure for preanalytical handling of samples for research projects.

CONCLUSIONS

The preanalytical phase for blood samples obtained and preserved for future research in Denmark is highly heterogeneous, although many aspects (e.g., hemolysis, which also affects DNA analyses, metabolomics, and proteomics) seems highly relevant to document. Our findings emphasize the need to optimize and standardize best practices for the preanalytical phase for blood samples intended for use in future research projects.

Quality Management System in the BBMRI.pl Consortium: Status Before the Formation of the Polish Biobanking Network

Many types of biomedical research projects depend on high-quality biological material with a data set attached. The Quality Management System (QMS) is focused on operational standards for all organizational activities to ensure that the described quality of each procedure, product, or service is guaranteed. The implementation of the QMS is necessary for the provision of both high quality and repeatability of processes in research laboratories. The current status of implementation of the QMS is determined according to the "Organisation of Polish Biobanking Network" within the project "Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure BBMRI-ERIC" supported by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education-decision number DIR/WK/2017/01. According to the above, preliminary audits in six Polish institutions were conducted and reports with recommendations concerning the implementation and improvement of the QMS in Polish biobanks were prepared. During all audits, 13 QMS main areas were analyzed. All audited units belong to the BBMRI.pl consortium, which is responsible for the creation of the Polish Biobanking Network within the BBMRI-ERIC structure. Among all 13 analyzed areas, 27 deviations were identified. Eleven of them were implemented in all audited biobanks but defined as the areas for improvement, 16 of them were not implemented correctly or not implemented at all, respectively (areas underlined to corrective procedures).