Motivations and barriers to sharing biological samples: a case study.

Stacey Pereira

doi:10.3390/jpm3020102

Abstract

One of the most significant impediments to the current goals of genomic research is the limited availability of high quality biological samples. Despite efforts to increase both the quality and quantity of samples collected, access to such samples remains limited. This may be due, at least in part, to a general reluctance of biobanking professionals, clinicians, and researchers to share biological specimens with others. Ethnographic methods were used in a biobank setting to explore professionals’ perspectives toward and practices of sharing samples. Several motivations and barriers to sharing that may influence research practice were identified. Contrary to existing literature that suggests that professionals are unlikely to share samples with one another, the participants of this study were open to and supportive of sharing samples for research. However, clear communication and effective infrastructure are needed to support the distribution of biobank materials.

Highlights

The limited availability of high quality biological samples is currently one of the most significant obstacles to genomic research of human health and disease
The difficulty in obtaining enough high quality samples to meet current research goals has been bemoaned by those involved with several national research initiatives in the US, including the Cancer Human Biobank of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), a joint project between the NCI and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) [1,5]
Understanding the motivations and barriers of professionals to sharing biological samples is the first step toward addressing the problem of limited availability

Summary

Introduction

The limited availability of high quality biological samples is currently one of the most significant obstacles to genomic research of human health and disease. Efforts to increase the quantity and quality of samples collected for genomic research have largely centered around the establishment of biobanks and the implementation of enhanced quality control measures. Though these measures may have resulted in increased collection and improved quality of samples, access to samples remains limited. A recent national survey of cancer researchers showed that many of those surveyed felt that it was difficult to obtain both the number and quality of samples they needed to conduct their research [4].

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion