Alessandria Biobank and the world of biobanking: in search of knowledge

Abstract

A biobank is a service for the collection, processing, storage and distribution of biological samples, which implies a quality system and management of the rights of the people involved. The activities carried out within a biobank are aimed at supporting biomedical research and the development of personalized medicine; they allow, therefore, to identify biomarkers associated with some types of pathologies, define a prognosis and create a personalized treatment plan. Given the importance of biobanks, it is essential to try to scientifically quantify the thoughts and opinions of the population on this topic. It is even more important that the population itself knows its potential and possibility of participation through the donation of biological material and associated data, regulated by ethical-legal systems, necessary for the protection of samples and data. The existence of biobanks depends on how many people are willing to donate their biological material for research purposes; it is, therefore, essential that their existence and the activities that this service offers to public health are known. This pilot study, based on an observational process, aims to investigate the degree of knowledge about the world of biobanking and the awareness of the existence and work of the Alessandria Biobank, through the design and administration of a questionnaire at the Blood Donors Center and the Gardella Polyclinic of the A.O. SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo.