A virtual biobank is a virtual repository which provides data extracted from and characterizing samples stored at classical

biobank A biobank is a type of biorepository that stores biological samples (usually human) for use in research. Biobanks have become an important resource in medical research, supporting many types of contemporary research like genomics and personalize ...

s. Virtual biobanks are large databases and can provide high-resolution images of samples as well as other characteristic data. These virtual biobanks can be accessed via specialized software or web portals. Samples are stored in a decentralized manner. The use of virtual biobanks provides access, in the form of pre-collected data, without requiring access to the physical sample. This allows the sample's data to be more readily shared without fear of contaminating/destroying/transporting the sample. Virtual biobanks are often used in bioinformatics.

List of virtual biobanks

* UK Prostate Cancer Sample Collection Database - The first virtual biobank dedicated to prostate cancer research was launched on November 7, 2010 by the

National Cancer Research Institute The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) is a UK-wide partnership between cancer research funders, which promotes collaboration in cancer research. Its member organizations work together to maximize the value and benefit of cancer research fo ...

and contains information on over 10,000 biological samples taken from men in the UK.

References

{{reflist Biobanks