Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic about sample access for research in the UK

Area of Science:

• Translational Medical Research
• Biobanking
• Pandemic Preparedness

Background:

• Annotated clinical samples are vital for translational research and drug trials.
• Previous work identified barriers for researchers accessing patient samples.
• The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted translational research capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and coordinate UK biobanks for collecting COVID-19 samples.
• To assess the impact of the pandemic on sample collection.
• To address inefficiencies in the biobanking sector.

Main Methods:

• The Tissue Directory and Coordination Centre (TDCC) identified UK biobanks capable of collecting COVID-19 samples (March-September 2020).
• Assessed the operational status of biobanks during the pandemic's first wave.
• Surveyed COVID-19 interventional studies regarding human sample collection.

Main Results:

• Nearly a third of UK biobanks closed during the pandemic's first wave.
• Many biobanks operated with limited capabilities or ceased collection.
• Only four out of 41 COVID-19 sample requests to the TDCC were fulfilled due to a lack of coordination.

Conclusions:

• The UK's system for accessing human samples for research is inefficient and uncoordinated.
• There is a critical need for a revised strategy in sample collection and distribution.
• Optimizing biobanking is essential for effective pandemic response and maximizing research potential.