Why do we collect biological samples?
Acquiring and banking biological materials is a vital step in improving medical science and ensuring the safety of medical devices. Our biobank can collect materials from both healthy and sick donors. Our state-of-the-art equipment allows us to gather a wide range of samples and store them indefinitely to create a diverse and high-quality collection. In addition, we may also use them for scientific research within our facility to maintain a high level of staff qualifications and encourage their continuous development.
How do we collect the samples?
Our team of qualified and experienced professionals collects biological material from biobank participants in the most painless, non-invasive, and safe way possible. We process the collected material according to accepted standards and the highest quality, confirmed by our ISO 17025 certificate. To ensure participants’ privacy and security, each sample is assigned a unique code that is only identifiable within our system and is accessible only by authorized employees of our laboratory.
Know your rights
The activities of our Biobank are in accordance with the following documents:
- Personal data protection
The personal data of the project participant is protected by our laboratory in accordance with the regulation - Patient rights
The law of each project participant is protected by our laboratory in accordance with the Law
Frequently Asked Questions
SAMPLE COLLECTION
Do I need a referral to donate biological material to the biobank?
No, a referral is not needed.
If you’re interested in becoming our biobank participant, we encourage you to read the participant information available on our website. It’s important to review this information to understand the process. Additionally, we are available on-site to answer any further questions you may have about biobanking.
Do I need to make an appointment in advance?
Yes, appointments must be scheduled in advance.
You have three options to schedule your appointment:
- Fill out the application form available on our website.
- Send us an e-mail
- Give us a call
What types of biological material are collected by the biobank?
We collect the following biological materials:
- nasopharyngeal swab,
- blood from a vein, in the amount specified in our internal procedures
Can someone else submit material for research on my behalf?
No, biological material must be collected directly from the participant.
We verify the identity of the participant and ensure the accuracy of the completed documents before collecting the material.
How do I prepare for the sample collection?
Refrain from eating, drinking coffee, or smoking cigarettes one hour before the sample collection.
SAMPLE
Is my sample labeled with my name?
No, your sample is not labeled with your name. Instead, it is assigned a unique barcode before registration.
Only authorized laboratory personnel have access to this information.
How is my sample stored?
Your sample is stored in controlled laboratory conditions using specially designed equipment.
The samples are frozen at -80°C to ensure optimal preservation.
How long will my sample be stored?
Your sample will be stored until it is all used up by researchers.
This can range from several weeks to months or even years.
Can I withdraw my consent to store my sample and data?
Yes, you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by notifying us in writing.
Upon receiving your notification, we will delete data associated with you and your sample from our biobank database.
DATA AND SAMPLE SECURITY
How are my sample and personal data protected?
We prioritize the protection of your personal data and strictly adhere to the regulations outlined in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Additionally, our laboratory employs dual coding system that enhances this protection.
To minimize the risk of confusion or errors, each sample is labeled with a unique, one-time, and identifiable barcode.
Access to personal data of the participants and the data associated with the samples is restricted to authorized laboratory personnel only.
What is pseudonymization?
Pseudonymization is a basic technique used to protect individuals’ privacy by coding the sample in a way that prevents direct identification.
Additional information is required to associate the coded samples with personal data.
In our laboratory, we employ a system of assigning two distinct codes to the collected samples and ensure the protection of personal data in compliance with GDPR regulations.
To learn more about the protection of participants data and collected samples, please refer to the following documents:
Who has access to my data?
Only authorized laboratory personnel have access to all data related to the biobank participants and their samples.
Can I withhold my personal data?
To become a biobank participant, it is necessary to provide both personal data and biological material.
We prioritize the protection of your personal data and strictly adhere to the regulations outlined in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Additionally, our laboratory employs personalized software that enhances this protection.
To minimize the risk of confusion or errors, each sample is labeled with a unique, one-time, and identifiable barcode.
Access to personal data of the participants and the data associated with the samples is restricted to authorized laboratory personnel only.
TESTING
Will I receive test results as the biobank participant?
Yes, once your sample is approved for the project, you will receive the results of the lab tests conducted as part of the project. As a project participant, you will receive advance information about the tests that will be conducted.
Explore our ongoing research projects.
How much time should I plan for the sample donation process?
First, take a moment to book an appointment at our laboratory. This step is quick and easy, requiring only about 3 minutes of your time. Once you have secured your appointment, make sure to plan your schedule accordingly, ensuring you arrive at our address on the designated day. The next step is to register as a participant and fill out all the necessary documents. This process typically takes around 5 minutes. The collection itself typically takes between 5 to 10 minutes. After the sample collection, we recommend allowing yourself approximately 5 minutes to observe and ensure everything is in order. As you wrap up your visit, plan your time accordingly for your next activities, whether it’s returning home, going to work, or running errands.
Does my health status matter?
Yes, your health status is important. That is why we ask participants to fill out a personal and medical questionnaire.
The information gathered in this questionnaire plays a critical role in categorizing the sample within the biobank. Ongoing medications or a history of chronic illnesses may influence research results. Please review the information in the personal and medical questionnaire for prospective biobank participants.