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Harmonizing the COVID-19 sample biobanks: Barriers and opportunities for standards, best practices and networks
Balwir Matharoo-Ball1, Mbayame Diop2, Zisis Kozlakidis3
1Director of Biobank, G42 Healthcare, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Insights
Infectious diseases biobanking requires harmonized practices and international standards. The post-pandemic era necessitates incorporating lessons learned for improved research infrastructure.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Biobanking
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of infectious diseases biobanking.
- Existing challenges and opportunities in biobanking practices were highlighted.
- Biobanks are critical research infrastructure requiring standardized practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss barriers in biobanking and standardization.
- To explore emerging opportunities in infectious diseases biobanking.
- To outline the future of biobanking in the post-pandemic era.
Main Methods:
- Perspective paper.
- Analysis of current biobanking practices.
- Review of international standards and healthcare intersection with research.
Main Results:
- The pandemic revealed critical needs in infectious diseases biobanking.
- Standardization and harmonized practices are essential for effective biobanking.
- The future requires biobanking to evolve beyond non-communicable disease models.
Conclusions:
- Infectious diseases biobanking must adapt and incorporate pandemic-learned lessons.
- Implementing international standards is crucial for robust biobanking infrastructure.
- Addressing barriers and seizing opportunities will shape the future of biobanking.
Abstract:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the practice of infectious diseases biobanking, as well as existing challenges and opportunities. Thus, the future of infectious diseases biobanking in the post-pandemic era, shall not be an "entry-level version" of its counterpart in non-communicable diseases and large population cohorts, but incorporate the lessons learned. Biobanks constitute a critical research infrastructure supported by harmonized practices through the implementation of international standards, and perceived within the broader scope of healthcare's intersection with research. This perspective paper considers the barriers in biobanking and standardization of practices, as well as the emerging opportunities in the field.
