The regional research biobank of central Norway - "One biobank, many collections" :

Abstract

The term biobank is used to designate a systematized collection of biological specimens, often restricted to specimens of human origin (1). Population biobanks, which mainly receive blood samples from large cohorts, have their value primarily in an epidemiological setting, as they are especially useful in identifying causative agents and risk factors, the practical scope of which is prevention. Clinical research biobanks, which contain samples from patients, are often established ad hoc, as part of a particular research project, aimed at shedding light on disease mechanisms and factors determining the course of disease, their practical scope being mainly to improve diagnosis and treatment. In the central part of Norway, we have established one clinical research biobank which is meant to serve the whole region. In this paper we will describe the background for this rather unusual construction, the principles which have governed its organisation and policy, and the results which we have achieved so far. Finally we discuss a couple of issues which open perspectives into the future.