Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1942/30904
Title: Raising to the Challenge: Building a Federated Biobank to Accelerate Translational Research—The University Biobank Limburg
Authors: LINSEN, Loes 
VANHEES, Kimberly 
VANOPPEN, Evi 
ULENAERS, Kim 
Driessens, Suzanne
PENDERS, Joris 
SOMERS, Veerle 
STINISSEN, Piet 
RUMMENS, Jean-Luc 
Issue Date: 2019
Publisher: FRONTIERS MEDIA SA
Source: FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE, 6 (Art N° 224)
Abstract: Irreproducibility of research results is one of the major contributing factors to the failure of translating basic research results into tangible bedside progress. To address this, the University Biobank Limburg (UBiLim) was founded by a collaboration between Hasselt University, the Hospital East-Limburg, and the Jessa Hospital. This paper describes the evolution of this process and the barriers encountered on the way. UBiLim evolved from an archival collection over a single-site biobank into a federated structure, supporting translational research at the founding institutions. Currently, UBiLim is a federated biobank, with an established organizational structure and processing, and storage facilities at each of the three sites. All activities are integrated in an ISO15189-accredited Quality Management System and based on (inter)national biobank guidelines. Common methods for processing and storage of a plethora of sample types, suitable for state-of-the-art applications, were validated and implemented. Because the biobank is embedded in two hospitals, the request of researchers to include certain sample types or enroll specific patient groups can quickly be met. Funding has been a major challenge in each step of its evolution and remains the biggest issue for long-term biobank sustainability. To a lesser extent, the Belgian legislation and the operational cost of information management system are also concerns for smooth biobank operations. Nonetheless, UBiLim serves as a facilitator and accelerator for translational research in the Limburg area of Belgium that, given the fields of research, may have an impact on international patient care.
Notes: Rummens, JL (reprint author), Univ Biobank Limburg UBiLim, Hasselt, Belgium.; Rummens, JL (reprint author), Hasselt Univ, Limburg Clin Res Ctr, Fac Med & Life Sci, Diepenbeek, Belgium.; Rummens, JL (reprint author), Jesse Hosp, Clin Lab, Hasselt, Belgium.
jean-luc.rummens@jessazh.be
Keywords: UBiLim;quality;biobank;multi-disciplinary;translational research
Document URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1942/30904
ISSN: 2095-0217
e-ISSN: 2095-0225
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00224
ISI #: WOS:000494640500001
Rights: 2019 Linsen, Vanhees, Vanoppen, Ulenaers, Driessens, Penders, Somers, Stinissen and Rummens. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Category: A1
Type: Journal Contribution
Validations: ecoom 2020
Appears in Collections:Research publications

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