Region Skåne’s Biobank is part of Biobank Sweden, which is Sweden’s national infrastructure for biobanking. The infrastructure aims to provide Sweden with the best conditions for initiating and preserving sample collections to be used for diagnosis, healthcare, and research across all types of diseases. There are several biobanks in Sweden, seven of which are connected to both hospitals and universities.
Why does Lund University have a sample service coordinator ?
"Since Lund University has many sample collections and researchers who want to use and establish biobanks, a sample service coordinator position has been shared between Region Skåne and Lund University for several years. As such, I can help researchers start a sample collection and also provide information about other collections at biobanks across the country. My colleague at Region Skåne and I are part of a national network that collaborates when a researcher wants to start a sample collection at multiple sites in Sweden. We work on harmonizing collections so that it’s possible to obtain the same type of samples from different regions in Sweden".
What’s the most enjoyable part of the role?
"There are both regulatory and operational processes involved when starting a sample collection, so it’s rewarding when all of the researcher’s requests have been successfully addressed and the study can begin".
Are there any challenges?
"The process of starting a sample collection can probably be perceived as a bit complicated. Another example is that retrieving samples for research studies from stored biobank material requires signing specific agreements. But support is available – all the way through!”
