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Aliquot. A small volume of a sample (usually liquid) that has been separated from a larger sample. Aliquots are typically stored in separate containers as individual samples.
Annotation. Explanatory or extra information associated with a particular biosample.
Biorepository or biosample resource or biobank. A physical place, room, or container where biosamples are stored. Biorepositories vary considerably, ranging from specific organisations to private collections of materials in an individual researcher’s laboratory.
Biosample information management system. The software, hardware, written documents, support and training that are necessary to record, track, and distribute biosamples to and from a biorepository.
Biosample or specimen. A quantity of tissue, blood, urine or other biologically derived material used for diagnosis and analysis. A single biopsy may generate several samples, including multiple paraffin blocks or frozen biosampless. A biosamples can include everything from molecules (e.g. DNA) to cells, tissue (e.g. bone, muscle, connective tissue, and skin), organs (e.g. liver, bladder, heart, kidney), blood, gametes (sperm and ova) and waste (urine, faeces, sweat, hair and nail clippings, and epithelial cells from shed skin). A single biopsy may generate several biosamples, including a number of slides, paraffin blocks, and/or frozen biosamples.
Clinical data. Data related to or derived from observations and treatment of patients.
Clinical trial. Research studies that evaluate new interventions, drugs, or treatments given to patients in strictly scientifically controlled settings. The purpose of such trials is to determine whether one or more interventions are safe, effective and better than other forms of care.
Confidentiality. The principle of secrecy applied when some information about an individual has been shared between parties in confidence.
Custodianship. The caretaking of the biosample collection and associated information in good faith to maintain the intentions of the donor and the integrity of the biosamples such they might be used for their intended purpose.
Data. Information derived from scientific experiments or diagnostic procedures that is organised for scientific analysis.
Demographic data. Data relating to statistical characteristics of human populations (e.g., age, gender).
Distribution. A process that includes receipt of request for biosamples, selection of appropriate biosamples, and final delivery of biosamples to another custodian or user of the biosamples.
Genomics. The study of genes and their function to determine how those genes interact and influence biological pathways, networks and function.
Honest broker. A neutral intermediary between the individual whose biosamples and data are being studied and the researcher. The honest broker collects and collates information about the donor, replaces the donor identity with a code and releases only coded information to the researcher.
Human subject. An individual human being on whom an investigator conducting research obtains data or other private information.
Informed consent. A process involving a prospective donor (or the donor’s legally authorised representative) and also often a healthcare worker where information is provided to help the donor to understand any proposed research procedures, risks, rights and responsibilities and which is necessary for voluntary participation as a donor of samples and information.
Minimal risk. The probability that the degree of harm or discomfort that may result when taking part in research is small and not greater than that usually encountered in daily life or during routine medical examinations or tests.
Organ. A part of the body that is circumscribed, identifiable and has at least one function specially performed by that organ. Organs are composed of one or more tissues.
Paraffin-embedded. A method of preserving biosamples where they are fixed with the chemical formalin and then embedded in molten wax.
Patent. A property right granted by a Government agency to an inventor. In order to be patentable, an invention must contain an idea that is useful, is new and is “nonobvious” to an average person with skills in that field of work.
Patient. A person undergoing medical treatment.
Preservation. Use of chemical agents or other means to prevent or slow down deterioration and spoiling of a biosample.
Quality assurance (QA). An integrated system of planned activities that are documented and assessed to ensure that the work or item is of the type and quality needed for the project.
Quality control (QC). Specific tests defined by the QA system to monitor steps in the collection, processing, preservation and storage of biosamples to ensure quality of those samples.
Storage. Maintenance of biosamples for future use.
Tissue. Refers to a portion of the body that includes cells, and the extracellular matrix and/or intercellular substances surrounding them. Tissue is most often referred to in the context of solid tissue, as originating from a solid organ; however, tissue can also be defined broadly to include collections of cells and intercellular substances from bodily fluids such as blood. Tissues are often components of organs.
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