Data Sharing Solutions for Biobanks for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Biobanking
• Data Science

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel, highly contagious illness with significant mortality.
• Understanding COVID-19 requires robust data and sample management for research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a standardized, collaborative, virtual biobanking solution for global COVID-19 research.
• To enable efficient sharing of clinical expertise, data, and evidence-based solutions.

Main Methods:

• Establish a centrally managed, virtual biobanking network with standardized quality assurance and control.
• Utilize a purpose-built COVID-19 Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for data and imaging management.
• Implement proper procedures for collecting respiratory samples and associated clinical/demographic data.

Main Results:

• Virtual biobanks minimize sample contamination risk by eliminating physical transport.
• Standardized data collection supports discovery and validation of disease markers and therapeutics.
• Facilitates communication and data access for research partners, advancing COVID-19 research and clinical care.

Conclusions:

• A virtual biobanking network is essential for effective COVID-19 research and clinical care.
• Standardized data sharing through LIMS can accelerate the design of clinical trials and address unmet needs.
• Global collaboration in biobanking is key to advancing understanding and treatment of novel infectious diseases.