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Tissue banking in ENT: challenges and methods

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 June 2013

E Warner
Affiliation:
University College London Medical School, London, UK
M Birchall
Affiliation:
Department of Laryngology, Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, UK
M W Lowdell*
Affiliation:
Cellular Therapy and Biobanking, Royal Free Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Mark W Lowdell, UCL/RFH BioBank, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London NW3 2QG, UK E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Background:

Biobanking is the process of storing high quality human biospecimens alongside linked clinical data, for research purposes. The aim is to identify novel biomarkers with prognostic or diagnostic significance. However, the challenges implicit in the collection and storage of human tissue for research have curtailed the impact of this technique to date.

Aim:

This paper aims to summarise the challenges faced by biobanking within the ENT specialty in the UK, and to present protocols used for the routine collection, freezing and storage of tissue specimens at the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital. These protocols could be used to guide other ENT departments (in the UK and worldwide) wishing to initiate the routine collection and storage of tissue samples. Their publication could also help to establish basic standards and ensure consistency in ENT tissue storage.

Methods:

Interviews conducted with industry experts, and a literature review of ‘best practice’ in biobanking.

Conclusion:

The ENT specialty must stay abreast of progress in human tissue research in order to ensure the best possible management of its patients. Our protocol for the routine banking of ENT tissue at the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital could be used as a template for other ENT departments (in the UK and worldwide) to encourage widespread implementation of high quality tissue banking.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2013 

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Footnotes

Presented at the Laryngology 2011 International Conference, 20–22 June 2011, London, UK

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