In this discussion, Product Marketing Manager, Haris Choudhery, PhD met with Senior Director of Scientific Affairs, Michael Sheldon, PhD, to discuss the advantages of outsourcing biobanking as well as the benefits of working with a Global Integrated Analytical Biorepository (GIAB).
Q1: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Sampled?
I founded the Sampled Scientific Affairs Department with the mission to provide expert technical resources to clients, discovery and adoption of new technologies and the coordination of outreach initiatives designed to enhance the profile of the company. After a career as an academic researcher spanning more than two decades, I served as Senior Director of Sample Processing Services at RUCDR Infinite Biologics (now Sampled), with oversight of all sample processing services relating to blood fractionation, cell and stem cell culture and nucleic acid extraction. I’m proud to have been a member of the team that established the SAMPLED SARS-CoV2 testing lab, serving the states of New Jersey and Minnesota as well as many sites across the United States.
Q2: Can you tell us what biobanking involves and why it’s so important to store your samples correctly?
Genetic studies designed to elucidate the causes of human disorders with the goal of developing treatments depend on the collection and analysis of large numbers of biological samples of utmost quality. At the heart of the process, Biobanking involves the collection, processing, storage, and distribution of these samples for research, clinical, or diagnostic purposes. It’s crucial to store samples correctly to maintain their integrity and viability over time. Correct processes leading up to meticulous storage protocols ensure that researchers have access to high-quality samples for current and future studies. Incorrect storage conditions can compromise sample quality, leading to inaccurate results and potentially undermining the validity of research findings. Therefore, storing samples in controlled environments with monitored temperature and security measures is essential to preserve their biological properties and maximize their utility for scientific inquiry.
Q3: What is involved in setting up a high quality, functional biobank? What can researchers expect?
Setting up a high-quality, functional biobanking operations requires careful planning, investment in infrastructure, and adherence to stringent quality standards. Researchers can expect a comprehensive process that includes:
Facility Design: Designing a biobank facility involves considerations such as layout optimization, temperature control systems, security protocols, and backup power supply to ensure uninterrupted sample storage. This means securing a large space within your facility in order to house all of the equipment and samples.
Equipment Acquisition: Procuring specialized equipment such as ultra-low temperature freezers, liquid nitrogen tanks, and automated sample handling systems is essential for maintaining sample integrity and accessibility.
Quality Management Systems: Implementing robust quality management systems, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality control measures, and documentation protocols, is crucial for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining sample quality.
Data Management: Establishing secure data management systems for tracking sample information, storage locations, and relevant metadata is essential for efficient sample retrieval and traceability.
Staff Training: Providing comprehensive training for staff members involved in sample handling, storage, and management is critical to ensure adherence to standard protocols and best practices.
Overall, researchers should expect a significant time and resource cost in order to establish a biobank that prioritizes sample integrity, regulatory compliance, and efficient sample management.
Q4: What are the advantages of outsourcing sample storage to a service provider such as Sampled?
Outsourcing sample storage to a service provider like Sampled offers several advantages:
Cost Savings: Outsourcing eliminates the need for investing in infrastructure, equipment, and personnel required for in-house sample storage, resulting in cost savings for researchers.
Expertise and Experience: Sampled brings extensive experience and expertise in sample storage and management, ensuring optimal storage conditions and adherence to quality standards. Our track record of support for some of the largest genetic studies in the world, funded by NIH and major pharma, gives our clients the confidence to put their precious and irreplaceable samples in our hands from the point of collection through processing, analysis and sharing with the global community.
Scalability and Flexibility: Sampled’s facilities are equipped to accommodate varying sample volumes and storage requirements, providing researchers with scalable and flexible storage solutions.
Risk Mitigation: By outsourcing sample storage, researchers mitigate risks associated with equipment failure, natural disasters, and regulatory non-compliance, as Sampled assumes responsibility for maintaining sample integrity and security.
Focus on Core Research Activities: Outsourcing sample storage allows researchers to focus on their core research activities, without the burden of managing sample storage logistics.
Q5: Tell us why Sampled has positioned itself to be the world’s only Global Integrated Analytical Biorepository (GIAB) and what impact that has on researchers?
Sampled has positioned itself as the world’s only Global Integrated Analytical Biorepository (GIAB) by integrating sample storage with analytical capabilities, providing researchers with comprehensive “end to end” solutions for sample management and analysis. This integration enables researchers to access not only stored samples but also analytical services such as sample characterization, biomarker discovery, and genomic sequencing within the same facility.
By offering a one-stop solution for sample storage and analysis, Sampled streamlines the research process, reduces turnaround times, and enhances research efficiency. This integrated approach empowers researchers with a deeper understanding of their samples and facilitates translational research efforts, ultimately accelerating scientific discovery and innovation. As a result, Sampled’s GIAB model has a profound impact on researchers by providing them with comprehensive support and resources to advance their research goals effectively.
If you want to learn more about our biobanking services, contact one of our experts here
