title: International approaches to advancing biospecimen science.
abstract: Biospecimen quality is affected by a number of preanalytical factors that may or may not be obvious to the investigator. These factors are introduced through multiple biospecimen collection, processing, and storage procedures, which can differ dramatically within and between medical institutions and biorepositories. Biospecimen Science is the emerging field of study that is attempting to quantify and control such variability. A variety of efforts are under way around the world to establish research programs, evidence-based biospecimen protocols, and standards to improve the overall quality of biospecimens for research.
authors: National Cancer Institute, Office of Biorepositories and Biospecimen Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
authors: Helen M
authors: HM
authors: Moore
authors: Carolyn C
authors: CC
authors: Compton
authors: Joseph
authors: J
authors: Alper
authors: Jimmie B
authors: JB
authors: Vaught
mesh_terms: D018070:Biological Specimen Banks / Q000592:standards*; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D011786:Quality Control; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*