Prospective vs Retrospective Sample Collection
When choosing between prospective vs retrospective sample collection, it’s essential to consider how each method impacts your access to samples collected exactly as you need.
Comparing Prospective vs Retrospective Collection Methods
Retrospective Collection
Retrospective collection is the traditional biobanking method, where samples are collected and stored in advance, anticipating future requests. The primary advantage of this approach is the immediate availability of annotated samples, which may have taken months or years to collect and prepare.
However, there are disadvantages to this method. Retrospective collection follows a ‘one size fits all’ approach, which may not meet the specific requirements of every requester. Additionally, it can be costly and inefficient if many of the stored samples are never requested or used. Stockpiling or “biohoarding” samples is considered unethical and should be avoided.
Prospective collection
In contrast, prospective collection begins only after a request has been placed. This approach is necessary when fresh, viable tissue is required or when the desired samples do not already exist in the biobank. One of the key benefits of prospective collection is that it allows the requester to decide:
- Which sample types are collected
- Which collection protocols are used
This tailored approach ensures that the samples meet your specific research needs.
A Video Comparing Prospective vs Retrospective Collection
Recommendations For Prospective Collection
If prospective collection seems like the right choice for your research, it’s important to plan ahead. Start by contacting an academic biobank and asking them to initiate your collection. On the Biosample Hub platform, over 75% of biobanks offer prospective collection services.
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