Informed consent in research

Patients

FOR PATIENTS

For Patients

We benefit patients who donate tissue for research by aiding the traceability of medical samples and encouraging their use in line with the informed consent the patient has given.

The challenge

What tissue donors expect

People who donate tissue samples for research do so in the belief that they will help medical research. Unfortunately, most donated samples remain in storage indefinitely. The under-use of biospecimens donated for research is a practical and ethical challenge.

After donation, the patient expects the biobank collecting their samples to ensure appropriate use, in line with the informed consent they have given. The biobank’s role as custodian is vital, and sample traceability must be ensured to verify the eventual use of the samples.

A patient giving informed consent for research
How we help

Supporting the interests of patients

The Biosample Hub platform helps biobanks make full use of their samples by increasing their discoverability, making it easier for company requesters to find suitable biobanks — so more samples reach more researchers.

We also support traceability by placing biobanks and companies in direct contact, helping the biobank identify the end-user of donated samples.

The platform is run by a not-for-profit company, giving users and donors confidence that high ethical standards will prevail.

A patient receiving treatment in hospital
Two ways we help

Ways we help

Biobank discoverability

Biobank discoverability

Our directory makes industry-friendly biobanks more discoverable to biotech and pharma companies. Unlike other directories, 100% of the biobanks listed want to work with industry — joining is voluntary and for that sole purpose. Greater discoverability leads to better use of samples, which benefits the patients who donated them.

Sample traceability

Sample traceability

A central feature of the platform is direct communication between biobanks and companies. Biobanks speak directly to the end-users of their samples, which improves tracking — so the biobank can be confident that samples with informed consent for research are used appropriately.

Learn more about Biosample Hub

A not-for-profit platform connecting biotech and pharma companies with trusted academic biobanks worldwide.