Tools and challenges in creating a biobank in a modern blood bank: experience from the Danish Blood Donor Study (DBDS)

Abstract

Blood banks are in a unique position to create biobanks and general health studies since existing infrastructure can readily be reemployed. The available tools for creating biobanks include access to potential study participants (blood donors), handling and storage of biological repositories, and collection facilities with experienced staff. The needed tools not readily available are automated high throughput research analysers with data capture possibilities and freezing facilities. Lastly, designated information platforms e.g. a study webpage should be constructed to facilitate information to participants. The challenges encountered when creating a biobank in a blood bank are many. First, motivation for staff members are potentially needed because extra work may be put upon them in order to include blood donors in research biobanks. Second, in order to accommodate future possible health research projects it is recommended to acquire a broad informed consent for these type of studies. A broad informed consent warrants a clear policy on return of research findings to the study participants. Lastly, the collection of outcome variables must be planned. In Denmark national health registries on admission and diseases are of great value for follow‐up data. Otherwise, each subsequent donation after enrollment may serve as a potential way to collect follow‐up data or follow‐up data may be collected through mailed out questionnaires. Experience from the Danish Blood Donor Study (DBDS) has shown the feasibility of establishing a research biobank within a blood bank by using the existing infrastructure.