Brain banking: basic science methods

The fundamental objectives of a brain bank are to document precisely the gross anatomical and histological findings, to establish accurate neuropathological diagnoses using well-defined criteria and standardized dissection techniques, and to serve as a source of fresh, fixed, and deep-frozen brain tissue. The brain tissue is optimally prepared and stored to provide high-quality research material that is suitable for a wide variety of investigations. A computerized database is used to classify all clinical and pathological diagnoses, neuropathological data, cause of death, postmortem interval, associated chronic diseases, and storage conditions of the tissue. Tissue availability and distribution is monitored and quality assurance is provided regarding tissue acquisition, processing, storage, and diagnosis. These functions facilitate clinicopathological correlative studies, neurochemical, molecular biological, immunohistochemical, quantitative and in vitro studies. Furthermore, the use of standardized tissue methods promotes multicenter collaborations.