Author of

• 12769

  +

  P3.18 - Poster Session 3 - Pathology (ID 177)

  • Event: WCLC 2013
  • Type: Poster Session
  • Track: Pathology
  • Presentations: 1
  • Moderators:
  • Coordinates: 10/30/2013, 09:30 - 16:30, Exhibit Hall, Ground Level

  • 12786

    +

    P3.18-017 - Biobanking in Lung research - Quality and technical aspects (ID 3061)

    09:30 - 09:30  |  Author(s): R. Hatz
    • Abstract

    Background
    The basic aim of a biobank is to provide biomaterials of high quality for research purposes including frozen archived samples, but also fresh tissue and viable cells, combined with relevant clinical data. This study presents workflow and quality management.

    Methods
    Patients are enclosed after signing a broad informed consent, allowing use of the samples in future research, and including molecular analysis. Samples are collected independently of a defined research project. Double pseudonymisation ensures privacy of donors. After pathological analysis the surplus of the harvested tissue is processed in RNAlater. Tissue samples as well as pre- and postoperative sera are archived at -80°C. Corresponding FFPE blocks are stored at room temperature. Bronchial lavages, pleura fluid, bronchial brush and transbronchial biopsies are integrated. In collaboration with researchers, fresh, unpreserved tissue is processed according to individual needs, such as filling with Agarose for three-dimensional tissue culture or in media for cell isolation.

    Results
    Between 01/2009 and 12/2012 around 1200 patients donated tissues to the biobank. In general, samples are processed within 20 minutes. We compared processing of samples in RNAlater with direct freezing in liquid nitrogen with times of ischemia between 5 minutes and 3 hours. We could not see any differences in RNA quality or the expression level of 4 genes tested between RNAlater or liquid nitrogen processed samples. Times of ischemia of up to three hours had no influence on RNA quality or expression, possibly due to compartmentalisation of RNAses in still intact cells. Samples were appropriate for protein analytical techniques such as Western Blot and ELISA. Histological slides from RNAlater samples were well evaluable by pathologists and comparable to normal cryosections.

    Conclusion
    The challenge of the biobank is a proactive tissue acquisition by pulmonary physicians trained in endobronchial techniques and thoracic surgeons in close collaboration with a pathologist. As a result global scientific work is feasible in a network like the German lung science center.