What is it? Why is it important?

Sample-workflow (sample “life-span”) describes a sequence of standardized steps that define how to handle and document Biological Material (BM) from collection to analysis.

 

Workflow steps include BM:

 

The aim of workflow steps is to:

  • Ensure BM are correctly handled. This guarantees that:
    • Researchers are provided with BM of high quality (e.g. sample quality)
    • Analytical results are highly credible
  • Ensure relevant data is collected and documented in a standardised manner (e.g. data quality)
  • Allow for the re-tracing of all workflow steps for quality control purposes (e.g. unexpected/false analytical results can be explained and excluded based on evidence of workflow non-conformities such as BM storage under sub-optimal temperature)

More

Based on the planned analysis, sample workflow steps must be planned prior to the collection of biological material.

 

Steps might include to define:

  • BM of interest (e.g. serum, PBMC, cancer cells)
  • Expected BM stability (e.g. RNA is highly unstable, requiring applicable adaptions to workflow steps)
  • Required BM processing (e.g. infrastructure, equipment, expertise, cost)
  • Ease of collection (e.g. donor consent and disease status, invasive / non-invasive collection procedures, regulatory requirements)
  • BM optimal storage conditions and duration
  • Processes for standardised documentation

What do I need to do?

Define sample workflow steps based on your planned analysis.

 

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What BM do I plan to collect (e.g. tissue, liquid)?
  • What is the sample identification and tracking system (e.g. sample coding, BIMS)
  • What additional data is needed (e.g. BM characteristics, patient demographics, disease type, donor medication intake)?
  • How to collect and confirm donor consent?
  • What are the collection procedures (e.g. by surgeon or donor, required collection and storage containers)?
  • How are samples transported (e.g. on ice, at room temperature, container type, safety measures, timing)?
  • What is an acceptable storage duration (based on a planned analysis)?
  • What are destruction guidelines for expired BM?
  • What are the sample processing procedures (e.g. slicing, centrifuging, aliquoting)?
  • What are the required sample storage conditions (e.g. optimal storage temperature and duration)?
  • How are samples protected and retrieved (e.g. storage with access control)?
  • What facilities and materials are needed?
  • What staff expertise is required?
  • What are the expected overall costs (e.g. sample processing requirements, storage duration)?

More

  • Document workflow steps in a SOP and/or WI. Include:
    • Required facilities (e.g. premises and storage equipment, such as freezers, centrifuge, flow cytometry) and materials (e.g. consumables such as EDTA blood collection tubes, processing solutions)
    • Required staff expertise including responsibilities (e.g. who is responsible to implement which workflow steps?).
  • Plan quality control steps in order to ensure that workflow steps are correctly implemented (e.g. take a risk based approach)
  • Create forms (digital or on paper), where staff can enter sample workflow information in a standardised manner (e.g. date and time of sample collection, sample processing steps, storage conditions)
  • In the event of BM destruction ensure destruction procedures are validated and documented

Where can I get help?

Your local CTU can support you with experienced staff regarding this topic

The Swiss Biobanking Platform (SBP) can provide you with support on this topic.

SBP Documents

SOPs, Forms and Templates – see in particular

  • Biological Material SOP

References

ISO 20387:2018 Biotechnology - Biobanking (access liable to cost)- General Requirements for Biobanking – see in particular section

  • 7. Process requirements

Swiss Law

HRO – see in particular articles

  • Art. 4 Professional qualifications
  • Art. 5 Storage of HRpD and BM in research projects
Abbreviations
  • BM – Biological Material
  • BIMS – Biobank Information Management System
  • CTU – Clinical Trials Unit
  • EDTA – Ethylendiamintetraazetat
  • HRO – Human Research Ordinance
  • HrPD – Health-Related Personal Data
  • ISO – International Standards Organisation
  • PBMC – Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
  • RNA – Ribonucleic Acid
  • SBP – Swiss Biobanking Platform
  • SOPs – Standard Operating Procedures)
  • WI – Working Instructions
Development ↦ Biobanking ↦ Handling of Biological Material ↦ Sample Workflow
Study
Basic

Provides some background knowledge and basic definitions

Basic Protocol
Basic Statistics
Basic Monitoring
Basic Drug or Device
Concept

Starts with a study idea

Ends after having assessed and evaluated study feasibility

Concept Protocol
Concept Statistics
Concept Drug or Device
Development

Starts with confidence that the study is feasible

Ends after having received ethics and regulatory approval

Development Protocol
Development Statistics
Development Drug or Device
Set-Up

Starts with ethics and regulatory approval

Ends after successful study initiation

Set-Up Protocol
Set-Up Ethics and Laws
Set-Up Statistics
Set-Up Quality and Risk
Set-Up Drug or Device
Conduct

Starts with participant recruitment

Ends after the last participant has completed the last study visit

Conduct Protocol
Conduct Statistics
Conduct Drug or Device
Completion

Starts with last study visit completed

Ends after study publication and archiving

Completion Protocol
Completion Statistics
Completion Drug or Device
Current Path (click to copy): Development ↦ Biobanking ↦ Handling of Biological Material ↦ Sample Workflow

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