title: Biobank classification in an Australian setting.
abstract: In 2011, Watson and Barnes proposed a schema for classifying biobanks into 3 groups (mono-, oligo-, and poly-user), primarily based upon biospecimen access policies. We used results from a recent comprehensive survey of cancer biobanks in New South Wales, Australia to assess the applicability of this biobank classification schema in an Australian setting. Cancer biobanks were identified using publically available data, and by consulting with research managers. A comprehensive survey was developed and administered through a face-to-face setting. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel™ 2010 and IBM SPSS Statistics™ version 21.0. The cancer biobank cohort (n=23) represented 5 mono-user biobanks, 7 oligo-user biobanks, and 11 poly-user biobanks, and was analyzed as two groups (mono-/oligo- versus poly-user biobanks). Poly-user biobanks employed significantly more full-time equivalent staff, and were significantly more likely to have a website, share staff between biobanks, access governance support, utilize quality control measures, be aware of biobanking best practice documents, and offer staff training. Mono-/oligo-user biobanks were significantly more likely to seek advice from other biobanks. Our results further delineate a biobank classification system that is primarily based on access policy, and demonstrate its relevance in an Australian setting.
authors.affiliation: 1Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rush
authors.affiliation: 2Intersect Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Jeffrey H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Christiansen
authors.affiliation: 2Intersect Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Jake P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Farrell
authors.affiliation: 3Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Goode
authors.affiliation: 3Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Rodney J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.affiliation: 4Ingham Institute, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.|5University of Western Sydney, Liverpool Clinical School, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Kevin J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Spring
authors.affiliation: 1Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute, NSW, Australia.|6University of Sydney Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Jennifer A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Byrne
mesh_terms: D000068:Accreditation; D018070:Biological Specimen Banks / Q000145:classification* / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006801:Humans; D009517:New South Wales; D011786:Quality Control; D012015:Reference Standards; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires