Workflows and Quality

Questions (1.a) and (1.b) are 20 points each and relate to proposed modifications in current clinical workflows
needed for optimal biobanking. Question (2) is 40 points and is related to methods for assessment of bio
specimen quality.
Read the expert opinion paper of Chadwick, D., Roehrl, M.H.A. (2013). High-quality biobanking for
personalized precision medicine: Bio Specimen Sciences at the helm. Diagnostic Histopathology 19(12):447-

  1. Accessed at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756231713001771 (Links to an external
    site.) on May 10, 2020. See attached pdf download Preview the document
    a. Summarize what modifications in the clinical workflow are needed to ensure an optimal biobanking workflow
    for bio specimens of high-quality:
    The importance of innovative biobanking informed consent process
    The importance of dedicated “research module” in the EMR system
    The importance of a dedicated “research biobank bench “ in surgical pathology next to Operative Room (OR)
    The ability of the biobanking specimen management & tracking system to interface with EMR and CoPath
    (pathology medical record)
    (20 points)
    b. Formulate the collaborative strategy across multidisciplinary teams of subspecialty pathologists, specialty
    clinicians and researchers to ensure highest quality biobanking. Describe the innovative biobanking workflow
    that interfaces with, but is separated and distinct from clinical care:
    Subspecialty pathologists have established a specific banking protocol for each organ site;
    Pathology assistants and pathology residents are trained in biobanking specific protocols;
    Simultaneous and not consecutive processing for diagnosis and for biobanking
    All research studies involving bio specimens have a dedicated study pathologist
    Involvement of expert pathologist in study design and quality control
    (20 points)
  2. Read the paper of Liu, A. (2014). Developing an institutional cancer biorepository for personalized medicine.
    Clinical Biochemistry 47(4):293-299. See attached pdf download Preview the document
    Explain and discuss tissue bio specimens quality control assessments:
    The tissue histological quality control report
    The tissue biomolecular quality control (RNA size and quality, characterized by the RIN)
    RNA quality control using quantitative real-time PCR of 3’/5’ ratio.
    DNA quality control: Spectrophotometric measurement of OD 260/280

Sample Solution