Information Management

Abstract

The collection and storage of human tissue samples has been undertaken in medicine for centuries; however, biobanking has only recently become a dedicated activity. The technological developments that have allowed the procurement and long-term storage of viable human cells ex vivo, and to obtain relevant scientific information, including genetic information, provide tremendous possibilities for advancing biomedical research. At the same time, these possibilities have raised complex information management issues regarding samples, processing, donor information, traceability, and use of the sample. This chapter considers the requirements for managing information within biobanks, critical to their operation. Special consideration is given to Laboratory Information Managing Systems (LIMS) as a tool for comprehensive access and storage of information.