Service

© German Biobank Node 

Service portfolio

Providing high-quality biospecimens and associated data for medical research projects and clinical trials is our top priority. The processing and storage of biospecimens takes place under standardized conditions in compliance with all ethical and data protection regulations. 

Our services include: 

  • Project consulting

  • Support in planning sample collections

  • Advice on the ICB-L procedure (ICB-L informed consent and use of the CentraXX biobank management system) 

  • Advice on processing, transport, and storage logistics of biospecimens

  • Preparation of project- or study-specific documents or SOPs

  • Preparation of cost calculations for third-party funding applications and study projects

Sample collection

In cooperation with various clinical and diagnostic partners, we collect liquid (e.g., blood, saliva, urine, stool) or solid (e.g., tissue) biospecimens on the basis of the ICB-L broad consent (biobank consent) or study-specific consents. 

Sample processing

  • Standardized processing and aliquoting of liquid samples (e.g. serum, plasma) 

  • Manual or automated isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) 

  • Automated isolation of nucleic acids (DNA, cfDNA) 

  • DNA quantification by spectrophotometry (Nanodrop) 

Quality control

  • Inspection upon sample receipt

  • Time stamps for various sample processes (e.g. start of centrifugation, aliquoting, storage) 

  • Determination of cell count and viability

Sample storage

  • Controlled sample storage at –80 °C

  • Automated nitrogen storage HS200M, Askion GmbH

  • Semi-automated nitrogen storage M60, Azenta Life Science

  • Long-term storage

  • Continuous temperature monitoring and recording

  • Contingency plan (emergency service and alerting) 

Sample management (in cooperation with the Section for Clinical Research IT, SKFIT

  • IT-supported storage and sample management (CentraXX) 

  • IT support for CentraXX

  • Creation of project-specific sample or measurement profiles

  • Integration of decentralized sample storage into the biobank management IT infrastructure