[The construction and operation of a central biomaterial bank : The ZeBanC of the Charité Berlin]. / Der Aufbau und Betrieb einer Zentralen Biomaterialbank : Die ZeBanC der Charité Berlin.

The use of high-quality, well-characterized biomaterials and their clinical and demographic information for biomedical research has steadily increased in importance over the last 10 years. There are several reasons for this. On the one hand, several studies have shown that even in high-profile scientific papers the description of the origin and characteristics of the biomaterials used is missing or insufficient. On the other hand, it has become generally accepted that small collections of biomaterials are often created under ethically and legally unclear conditions without quality measures and without sufficient sustainability.The establishment of a centralized biomaterial bank (ZeBanC) was initiated in order to steer the biomaterial collections at the Charité under well defined conditions. This activity is carried out in close cooperation between the Charité and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH).

[Experience with establishment and operation of a biobank]. / Erfahrungen bei Einrichtung und Betrieb einer Biobank.

Tissue specimens taken in pathology for diagnostic or therapeutic interventions have been collected for decades, archived and used for local research projects. Meanwhile there is an increasing need of this material for academic and non-academic biomedical research. Many questions in the field of translational research can only be addressed with a sufficient number of high quality tissue samples especially when combined with comprehensive clinical data. Although biobanks represent an indispensable basis for medical research, this might be in conflict with the rights of patients. Currently there are no specific regulations for biobanks leading to substantial legal uncertainties. However, interpretation of existing regulations by the National Ethics Committee or the Telematic Platform for Medical Research Network are important for ethical and legal solutions. Irrespective of future (national or European) regulations, the informed consent of the patients including a secure data protection concept is a prerequisite for establishment and operation of biobanks.