Biobanking The Numbers Behind an Emerging Industry

Sample management system

Biobanking software, freezer inventory software, environmental research, and freezer software has been the subject of a lot of discussion in the science community. It is slowly becoming more recognized in the world at large as well, as more scientific discoveries are made each day. It’s actually a fascinating industry to read up on if you ever have time, and since it’s relevant to pretty much everyone, you should learn about it! The statistics behind this emerging industry are very interesting, so read on and gain some cool knowledge!

  • In U.S. biobanks, the number of tissue samples was more than 300 million at the turn of the century. Since then, that number increases by 20 million each year.
  • 47% of the 700 cancer researchers surveyed in 2011 reported that they had trouble finding quality biobanking samples.
  • 17% of current biobanks have been in business for over 20 years or more, while two-thirds were established within the next decade.
  • Over half (53%) of biobanks said that research on a particular disease is the most important reason for their establishment, while 29% responded that it was general research that was most important.
  • Biobanks are classified in one of two ways: their governing body (federal government, foundation, etc.) or by their purpose/research.
  • About 44% of biobanking software stores pediatric specimens, while 36% are postmortem specimens.
  • A vast majority of biobanks have an internal oversight board of some sort.
  • The largest funding source for 36% these establishments is the federal government, and they have also funded some amount of research for 57% of responding biobanks. Other sources include fees for services and funding from individuals or foundations.
  • An estimated 1,658,370 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2015. In 2014, there were 14.5 million people with a history of cancer alive.
  • What are your impressions of biobanking? Is it research you stand behind? Leave your comments and thoughts in the comments below!