January 2, 2025
About LabKey
A biobanking system is critical software for managing biospecimens and their associated data, essential for modern biobanks and biorepositories. These systems ensure that samples, such as human tissues, blood, or genetic material, are stored, tracked, and processed efficiently. By integrating advanced storage and data management capabilities, biobanking systems not only safeguard invaluable biospecimens, but also empower breakthroughs in fields like personalized medicine, proteomics and drug discovery.
When choosing a biobanking software system, it’s crucial to consider features that align with your lab’s specific needs. In this post, we’ll explore the key attributes that make a biobanking system effective, scalable, and compliant with modern research requirements.
Benefits of a Biobank System
Biobanking systems are the backbone of your lab management. Without efficient sample tracking and data management, labs risk losing vital specimens, introducing data and human errors, or breaching compliance regulations. Here’s why a biobanking software solution is an essential part of biobank management system:
- Efficiency: Automation and standardized lab workflows reduce manual errors and save time, allowing researchers to focus on discoveries.
- Data Integrity: Centralized, secure systems ensure biospecimens and associated information are always reliable and accessible.
- Scalability: As research needs grow, a robust biobanking system adapts, supporting more specimen tracking, data complexities, and higher research demand.
- Collaboration: Integration with existing lab software facilitates data sharing across institutions, supporting innovation and partnerships.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to ethical and legal standards, like ISBER best practices or NIH Data Management and Sharing Plans, protects labs from penalties and upholds public trust in research.
By investing in biobank software, labs and biobanking institutions can accelerate research, reduce costs, and maintain the highest standards of quality for their samples and specimens.
Essential Features of a Biobanking System
When evaluating a biobanking system, look for the following key features to ensure optimal performance and compliance:
Comprehensive Sample Management
The foundation of any biobanking system is its ability to track biospecimens throughout their lifecycle. This includes:
- Barcode-based sample inventory management for precise tracking.
- Real-time updates on sample location and status.
- Freezer management tools to monitor storage availability and prevent sample degradation.
- Chain-of-custody tracking to ensure specimen integrity throughout handling and processing.
Advanced Data Management
Biobanks handle vast amounts of data, including health records, genetic information, and metadata. An effective system should provide:
- Secure, centralized data storage.
- Role-based access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can view or modify sensitive information.
- Structured search options and customizable dashboards.
Workflow Management
To reduce variability and ensure consistent results, the system must allow for:
- Customizable workflows tailored to lab protocols.
- Automation of repetitive tasks like data entry and sample processing.
Integration Capabilities
To ensure seamless operations, some by biobanks may require a system that integrates with:
- LIMS software (Laboratory Information Management Systems), EHRs (Electronic Health Records), and other lab software tools.
- APIs for secure data sharing across platforms and institutions.
- Analytics platforms for scalability and analysis.
- Data-sharing and communication tools like ELN software.
Biobanking With Sample Manager
Sample Manager simplifies biobanking with cloud-based features like searchable sample tracking and customizable freezer management. This easy-to-use sample management software can be quickly set up to meet the workflows and protocols used in your laboratory. Take a tour to see our software in action!
