The History of the Biobank at the University Hospital in Pilsen
Since 2000 the Laboratory at the Department of Immunochemistry at the University Hospital (UH) Pilsen has been systematically collecting and storing samples of biological material for long term storage, and for routine diagnostics and research. The main diagnoses of interest were: breast cancer, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer. All necessary legislative, ethical and internal directives were incorporated into the entire process of collecting, transporting, allocation and storage of patient samples.
In 2014 the repository of biological samples at the University Hospital in Pilsen changed status to “biobank” and became a member of the national node BBMRI_CZ of the European Infrastructure BBMRI-ERIC (Biobanking and BioMolecular resources Research Infrastructure - European Research
To be a member of the biggest European infrastructure in biomedical research requires the fulfillment of a wide range of heterogeneous criteria and keeping up with the continuous changes in the overall process of biobanking. The first steps were: to build a multidisciplinary team, to define the diagnoses for the material collections, to specify the type of biological material and the system of sampling, sample identification, to outline the preanalytical rules, and to specify the rules for sample utilization. The IT infrastructure within the laboratory and the hospital IT system have been successfully installed and are ready to use for national sample exchange.
The biobank at the UH Pilsen is currently a typically hospital-integrated biobank closely collaborating with the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University.
The biobank at the UH Pilsen operates from newly reconstructed laboratories within the framework of the Department of Immunochemical Diagnosis.
Biobank activities
- Collection and storage of biological material of oncological patients
- Collection of related data
- Record keeping of storage, movement and waste disposal of biological material in University Hospital Pilsen
- Transportation of biological material to the Czech Republic and abroad
- Education, training, workshop organization on biobanks and biobanking related topics
- Active participation in the activities of BBMRI-ERIC infrastructure in collaboration with Faculty of Medicine Pilsen
Biobank equipment
- The sample Processing System AutoMate 1250, a system for sample separation, allocation, and storing.
- Special tubes fitted with a chip for biomaterial storage.
- A software program for sample identification and storage integrating the AutoMate sample processing system, the laboratory information system (LIS) and Hospital information and records.
- Freezing equipment consisting of 6 freezers at -80oC and 3 freezers at -20oC.
The Future of the Biobank at the Teaching Hospital in Pilsen
The aim for the near future is to optimize the current system of sample collecting, mainly from oncological patients while at the same time standardizing preanalytic methods and storage conditions of biological samples. We want to closely integrate the research program of the biobank into the research program of the University Hospital. Ethical, legal and social issues (ELSI) will be harmonized and updated according to the national and European legislation.
We want to cooperate closely with other biobanks and research centres in the Czech Republic at a national level, and to enhance the quality at routine and scientific levels. As a member of BBMRI-ERIC we will continue the process of harmonization and full involvement in infrastructure activities and research projects.
We will start the process of joining international societies such as ESBB (European, Middle Eastern and African Society for Biopreservation and Biobanking) and ISBER (International Society for Biological and Environmental Societies).
Collection and storage of biological material of oncological patients
Collection of related data
Record keeping of storage, movement and waste disposal of biological material in University Hospital Pilsen
Transportation of biological material to the Czech Republic and abroad
Education, training, workshop organization on biobanks and biobanking related topics
Active participation in the activities of BBMRI-ERIC infrastructure in collaboration with Faculty of Medicine Pilsen