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Biobanks produce and distribute biospecimens, ensuring their fitness for purpose and accurately qualifying them before distribution. In their efforts toward professionalization, biobanks can nowadays seek certification or accreditation. One of the requirements of these standards is regular participation in Proficiency Testing (PT) programs. An international PT program has been developed and provided to biobanks and other laboratories that perform specific tests to qualify different types of biospecimens. This PT program includes biospecimen testing schemes, as well as biospecimen processing interlaboratory exercises. This PT program supports the development of biobank quality assurance by providing the possibility to assess biobank laboratory performance and useful insights into biobank laboratory method performance characteristics and thus fulfill the demands from accreditation authorities.

Minimally invasive liver resection (MILR) has evolved considerably in the past decade. Safe hepatic parenchymal transection, has been one of the technical hurdles that has become evident during the growth of MILR. Advances in technology have now made safe liver transection a reality allowing resections of greater magnitude. In this review, the precoagulation approach is described in both methodology and technique. Using this method of liver transection, we have been able to perform MILR of all varieties and magnitudes, with favorable patient outcomes. A detailed description of one particular device will be highlighted to disseminate our experience and thus broaden the technical options for hepatobiliary surgeons wishing to offer their patients a minimally invasive therapy.

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