Research Support in Biobanking
Biobank Väst provides regulatory support and sample services for biobank samples, as well as advice on biobank-related matters. Please contact us if you require support with the handling or storage of biobank samples, or if you need assistance in planning, collecting, or accessing biobank samples for research purposes. Biobank Väst is founded on a close collaboration between academia and healthcare.
Regional and national collaboration
University of Gothenburg and Region Västra Götaland cooperate on biobanking through Biobank Väst, which is a unit within both the university’s Core Facilities and Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Biobank Väst provides regulatory support and sample services for biobank samples, as well as advice on biobank-related matters.
The joint administrative biobank, Biobank Väst, is registered with the Swedish Health and Social Care Inspectorate (IVO) under registration number 890.
Biobank Väst is also part of Biobank Sverige, a national research infrastructure for biobanking.
Research support and advice
We can assist you with:
- Advice on biobank-related matters
- Biobank agreements and material transfer agreements
- Sample handling
- Storage and traceability of biobank samples
- DNA extraction
- PBMC extraction
Advice and biobank agreements
The biobanks provide advice, information, and training on the Biobanking Act and the use of biobank samples.
We support researchers with applications for and the establishment of biobank agreements and Material Transfer Agreements (MTA).
We can also provide guidance on how to address biobank-related aspects in applications for ethical review, clinical trial applications, and information to participants in studies.
Registration of biobank samples at Sahlgrenska Academy
The Faculty Board of Sahlgrenska Academy has decided that all biobank samples within the faculty must be registered in Region Västra Götaland's biobank, Biobank Väst (registration no. 890 with the Swedish Health and Social Care Inspectorate, IVO).
This decision means that samples previously not registered in a biobank, as well as samples registered in a biobank at the University of Gothenburg, must be registered in Biobank Väst.
Please view our guide for late registration of samples and contact Biobank Väst (rbcvast@vgregion.se) for assistance with the registration and transfer of sample collections.
Support in sample handling
Biobank Väst offers services to facilitate the collection of high-quality biobank samples for research. We can assist with sample handling, storage, and processing. We can also provide information on existing sample collections, analytical platforms, sample quality, and transport of biological materials.
Within Biobank Sverige, sample service coordinators at universities and university hospitals work to facilitate research and harmonise biobanking activities across the country. Please contact us if you are interested in advice and support in planning, collecting, or accessing biobank samples for national studies.