Start-up of a clinical sample processing, storage and management platform: organisation and development of the REDinREN Biobank.

BACKGROUND

The creation of the Biobank, a resource pertaining to the Spanish Renal Research Network (REDinREN) promotes advances in clinical research on kidney disease in Spain. The Biobank's aims are to generate an archive of clinical samples and associated data, furnish those samples to research teams, and coordinate with European biobanks.

METHOD

Applicable legislation had to be complied with in order to launch the Biobank project (Biomedical Research Law, Data Protection Law and Biological Sample Transport Regulations). A strict work protocol and a new database for the Network's clinical data were also implemented.

RESULTS

Over time, the Biobank has acquired additional infrastructure and qualified personnel. In 2010, 2953 new patient samples were collected, giving a total of 37,043 stored vials containing different types of samples. Furthermore, the Biobank is currently participating in eleven research projects.

DISCUSSION

Although the Biobank was originally designed for REDinREN use, we must take joint action to make this biological sample storage system and the many possibilities it offers available to the entire nephrological community with a view to promoting kidney disease research.