There’s no denying the value that quality human biological materials can provide to research, but with the increasing number of samples collected and stored every day the need to ensure the samples retain their level of quality is of paramount importance.

Further to that, there is an ethical responsibility to ensure that samples get used in a way that is most advantageous to society. Quality control systems need to be put in place at all stages, including collection, processing, and storage.

A detailed series of records and procedures applied to the samples will provide the information researchers need to understand how samples will be affected by the collection and storage methods. This process will also aid in determining the quality of the samples. The quality system allows researchers to determine if the human biological samples, such as plasma, remain fit for purpose.

Knowing what the samples are going to be used for plays a big part in how they are stored and collected. For instance, samples destined for use in human treatment will require a higher standard than samples collected primarily for research purposes.

A collection and storage system should not just outline how a sample is collected but also how it is transported, and any and all processes applied to it to facilitate the transport.

A biobank of tissue resources, where researchers have a large sample base to conduct research from, can have massive benefits for society.  However, varying standards in regards to quality and the data collected between facilities can mean that samples get lost or forgotten.

To minimize the impact this can have on sample quality and availability an independent body needs to have some input into how tissue samples are processed and managed. Two standards developed by the National Cancer Research Institute’s (NCRI) and Confederation of Cancer Biobanks (CCB) go a long way to ensuring the high quality of samples. They also use a high level of transparency in regards to their collection, storage, and use to increase public confidence.

Learn more about Innovative Research and our high quality research materials including human, plant, and animal biological, ELISA & Assay Kits, proteins, antibodies, cell cultures, blood, serum, plasma, and more.  More information can be found at https://www.innov-research.com/ or by calling 248.896.0145.