The value of virtual biobanks for transparency purposes with respect to reagents and samples used during test development and validation

Abstract

Biobanks represent a valuable resource in many areas of biomedical research and development. They function as repositories for well-documented and well-characterised biological material that can be used as the basis for this work. Virtual biobanks amplify the availability of this resource by linking multiple biobanks via a single interface. Test development and validation is an essential process that helps to provide confidence in diagnostic test results and, by extension, the disease and health status of animal populations demonstrated by such results. The quality of the development and validation pathway can be enhanced by the use of well-characterised material for standards and validation panels. Virtual biobanks represent a powerful mechanism for enhancing access to such material, and allow other parties to both have greater confidence in the work done, and to be able to repeat it themselves, as required.