Table 2.

Comparisons of Specific Types of Biorepositories

Type of biorepository	Biobank, typical	Epidemiological, population-based, or environmental	Clinical trial	Prospective procurement	Combination model
1) Usual types of specimens	Solid tissues and biofluids; Specimens may vary with goals of the biobank; Frequently only FFPE tissue and biofluids are available	Usually only biofluids – blood components and sometimes urine.	Solid tissues and biofluids depending on requirements of the clinical study.	Solid tissues and biofluids based on requests of investigators; Specimens can be provided fresh (non-frozen).	Specimens requested by investigators; Biobanked specimens collected, processed and stored based on biorepository goals.
2) Specimen collection	Collected in a medical facility for future research; Usually disease-based.	Usually collected from individuals without disease, but can include specimens from individuals with an increased risk for a disease; Collected for future research; Longitudinal samples sometimes available.	Collected in a medical facility in association with therapeutic interventions for disease.	Collected at a medical facility based on the specific needs and requests of investigators.	Collected for future research or at request of investigators; Many specimens are rapidly distributed, but some are banked.
3) Processing, storage and distribution	Processed via a SOP; Stored until distributed to an investigator.	Processed by a SOP; Stored for long periods until an endpoint is reached (e.g., development of a disease or study of an environmental agent); Distribution usually is restricted to research on specific issues; Tissues not associated with an endpoint (e.g., development of a disease) frequently are not initially made available for distribution.	Processed by a SOP; Stored until distributed to an investigator; Use may be restricted due to the informed consent.	Processed according to investigator requests; Distributed soon after collection; Specimens have to be collected so are not available when first requested.	Processed based on a SOP (bank) or according to investigator request; Distributed to a requesting investigator or stored in bank until requested; Strong emphasis on distribution.
4) Data	Extensive data may be available upon request including outcome.	Extensive data available frequently based upon interview of participants; Usually participants are healthy; Outcome (e.g., development of a disease) will be variable.	Wide range of data available based on clinical trial; Data on response to intervention are available.	Demographic data immediately available; Clinical and other data available upon review of health record; Clinical data on outcome not available until outcome occurs.	Data models vary based on goals of biobanking component; Demographic data available and other data via health record; Outcome of prospective component not available when specimens first requested.
5) Advantages	Specimens and data including outcome usually are immediately available.	Longitudinal specimens may be available; Extensive data on individual can be provided.	Specimens and extensive clinical data including outcome immediately available; Response to therapies immediately available.	Specimens are collected and processed to meet the specific needs of investigators; Fresh (non-frozen) specimens available; Most specimens utilized; No long-term storage artifacts.	Prospective specimens collected and processed based on investigator needs; Banked specimens and outcomes may be immediately available; Prospective specimens will not have long-term storage artifacts.
6) Disadvantages	Many specimens are not utilized; Specimens may not meet needs of the investigator; Potential artifacts and molecular degradation based on long-term storage.	Many specimens are not utilized; Specimens subject to artifacts and molecular degradation on long-term storage.	Many specimens are not utilized; Original consent may limit use; potential specimen artifacts and degradation on long-term storage.	Specimens and outcome data not immediately available.	Specimen and outcome data not immediately available on prospective specimens; Potential artifacts and degradation of banked specimens on long-term storage; Banked specimens may not be utilized.