Logistic Steps of Tissue Sample Processing in a Clinical Biobank - A Short Overview

Abstract

Human tissue samples, collected and stored based on standardized processes, enable high quality research in the field of biomedicine and life sciences. Most of the tissue biospecimens used in medical research are derived from patients and are collected, processed and stored by clinical biobanks. Clinical biobanks are usually situated in hospitals and operate directly at the interface between research and clinical care. This position requires specific steps adapted to the demands of both clinicians and researchers. This review aims to provide a short overview of the six most significant steps in sample handling and sample logistics in a clinical biobank. The described steps are crucial stages in the sample preservation process and have significant impact on quality of tissue biospecimens used in diagnostics and research. Biobank Graz, one of the largest clinical biobanks in Europe, collects, processes and stores tissue samples according to this workflow to provide high-quality samples and data for research and development.