An Overview Of Biorepositories Past, Present, And Future

Collecting, storing, and distributing biological samples for research and health promotion have been used for more than a century. The organic shop is used to maintain and distribute these samples. Historically, the Department of Defense (DoD) maintained organic storage facilities and used stored materials to expand our understanding of disease and develop medical interventions to combat civil wars. 

Other US government and non-governmental organizations, as well as organizations in other countries, are providing custom biorepository services and involved in preparing human and other samples for future research.

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The rationale for the collection and possible use of samples stored in repositories has changed with the advent of new technologies and the discipline of genomics. However, over the years, many of the problems facing repositories have remained largely the same, although they have recently received greater attention due to limited funding and high ethical considerations. 

These questions include the sample to be collected:

  • How to collect, transport, and store samples
  • Legal and ethical issues related to sample collection and use
  • Desired shelf life of analytes in stored samples
  • Assessment of the quality of the stored samples and the provision of statements by the researcher about the quality of the samples
  • Cost
  • Warehousing and sustainability
  • Implementation and maintenance of laboratory quality programs and possible accreditation.

To address the above problems, the Department of Defense has implemented several initiatives. In addition, employees working on these issues see the potential value in identifying other organic storage groups and similar work by these groups in hopes of developing communication channels and eventually even working together on establishing universal standards and practices.