Exploring the Scale of Modern Biobanking
Many areas of human genetics research that rely heavily on biobanking for sample storage retain biological specimens from hundreds of thousands of participants. The UK Biobank project exploring the link between major disease development and various genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors involves extensive data and sample collection from as many as 500,000 participants. Shanghai’s Zhangjian Biobank has reportedly reached a storage capacity of 10 million samples. Similarly, the German Helmholz Biobank in Munich holds many millions of samples.
The need for efficient and ethical storage protocols when dealing with human-derived samples takes on a new meaning at such enormous scales. Yet it is not simply these vast biobanks that need to implement smart biorepository storage protocols. Any biotech and pharmaceutical company running biobank research should develop a fool-proof system of information and sample management.
Appropriate Sample Handling
Poor sample documentation and data loss can be devastating to research initiatives, forcing researchers to repeat experiments which can significantly drain time and resources. It is absolutely crucial therefore that biobanking information is appropriately controlled and managed.
At Ziath, we specialise in both information management and instrumentation control with a focus on large sample libraries using 2D datamatrix tubes. Global biobanks support a wide range of specimen types including biopsies, body fluids (plasma, serum, urine, extracted DNA, etc.), and more. The viability of these samples is usually preserved at cryogenic temperatures using tubes with high-integrity closures. Full traceability is guaranteed by 2D barcoding each individual sample tube, optionally alongside the manufactured linear barcode printed onto the side of each tube.
The absolute integrity of these storage protocols ensures that all sample information can be quickly recalled whenever necessary. Coupling our 2D barcoded cryotubes with our proprietary information management software—Samples—and our 2D tube rack reachers, allows researchers to store all relevant data easily and accessibly. However our products will interact with other items so our scanners can be used with any tubes and our tubes can be used with any scanners. Our aim is to streamline workflows and to maximise the scientific return for biobank researchers within the parameters of their individual timeframes and budgets. Thus we can help accelerate times to market for novel therapeutics, or assist with individual diagnoses in emerging areas of personalised medicine.
Biobanking Sample Storage with Ziath
Interested in developing a future-proof system of sample management using Ziath products? Contact a member of the team today and we will happily talk you through our full range of 2D barcoded cryotubes, 2D tube rack readers, and software solutions.
