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Biorepository

Banner background with samples in it. TGHN
  • Microbiology
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  • Biorepository

Biorepository

The establishment and efficient running of a biorepository requires ethical, legal and social consideration which can be overwhelming. In addition to all of these considerations, effectively managing cost and availability of resources such as liquid nitrogen and dry ice is vital. Ethical debates particularly in Low- to Medium-Income Countries (LMIC) are important but complex. Fear of exploitation is a reality and an important discussion point when considering establishing a Biorepository no matter what the size. In addition to effective infrastructural planning it is very important to develop an agreed on governance framework at an international level that takes into consideration all aspects of equity, fairness and justice. Collaboration between countries in regions is an important consideration to deal with cost.

We hope this site will be able to provide some guideline on establishing a bio-repository that takes into consideration all these important issues and also stimulates discussion that can help guide implementation. We will refer to established guidelines and articles to help build capacity in understanding the requirements for bio-repositories.

Here we aim to:

  • Explore the value of Bio-Repositories in Low- to Medium-Income Countries (LMIC).
  • Provide guidelines to developing a Biorepository.
  • Explore the regulations linked to operating a Biorepository.
  • Identify existing Bio-Repositories in LMICs.
  • Stimulate discussions about concerns, value and cost of operating Biorepositories in LMICs.

Guidelines:

  • ISBER (International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories) Best Practices for Repositories

  • OECD Guidelines on Human Biobanks and Genetic Research Databases

Articles:

  • Infrastructure and Facilities for Human Biobanking in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Situation Analysis by Maimuna Mendya, Elodie Cabouxa, Bakary S. Syllaa, Joakim Dillnerb, Joseph Chinqueec, Christopher Wilda, BCNet survey participants 
  • Selecting a Laboratory Information Management System for Biorepositories in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: The H3Africa Experience and Lessons Learned by Samuel Kyobe, Henry Musinguzi, Newton Lwanga,Dafala Kezimbira, Edgar Kigozi, Fred Ashaba Katabazi,Misaki Wayengera, Moses Lutaakome Joloba, Emmanuel Akin Abayomi,  Carmen Swanepoel,  Alash’le Abimiku, Talishiea Croxton, Petronilla Ozumba, Anazodo Thankgod, Alan Christoffels,  Lizelle van Zyl, Elizabeth Sarah Mayne, Mukthar Kader, Garth Swartz ; and H3Africa Biorepository PI Working Group 
  • Biobanking: A Challenge Facing Pathologists in Egypt by Wafaa El-Sayed Abd El-Aal, Naglaa Fathy Abaas, Sonia Labib El-Sharkawyand Manal Abd-El Magid Badawi 
  • Legal & ethical compliance when sharing biospecimen by Tomas Klingstrom, Erik Bongcam-Rudloff, and Jane Reichel 

 


Introduction to Biorepositories or "Biobanks"

Follow this short introduction to learn more about Biorepositories. A Biorepository collects, processes, stores and distributes biological specimens. Also known as a "biobank." Samples are only donated to the biobank with prior consent and all donations are protected. SCTR Research Nexus maintains a biorepository.


 


Virtual biorepository

The Virtual Biorepository knowledge hub is being established to create a forum for sharing and gathering information about a proposed virtual biorepository (VBR) resource for equitable and efficient access to pathogens and clinical specimens.

 

Virtual biorepository weblink

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