Implementation guide for the "Sample Locator"

The "Sample Locator" enables scientists to search for biosamples and related data in academic biobanks, currently mainly in Germany. At the same time, the online search tool helps the biobanks connected to it to achieve greater visibility. The Sample Locator was developed by an interdisciplinary team of developers of the German Biobank Alliance (GBA) under the umbrella of the German Biobank Node (GBN) and together with the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK). A recently published implementation guide describes how a biobank gets connected to the Sample Locator and what requirements must be met. It also contains step-by-step instructions.

IT infrastructure

The technical basis for the Sample Locator is the IT infrastructure of GBN – a federated network of so-called bridgeheads. These are data integration servers that are established by each biobank and filled with relevant data from the biobank (sample data) and from clinical systems (clinical data) at the site. They are operated under the local sovereignty of the sites, which retain full control over their samples or data.

From the feasibility query to the "Negotiator"

Using the central search interface of the Sample Locator, researchers use a decentralised search to find biosamples and data for their scientific projects ("feasibility query"). The bridgeheads of the biobanks evaluate the search queries and identify potentially suitable samples. After a successful feasibility query via the Sample Locator, the inquiring researchers log in to contact the biobanks relevant to them and refine their enquiry. The "Negotiator" was developed for this purpose. The registration is carried out via the German Research Network (DFN). The Negotiator enables the inquirers to communicate effectively with several biobanks simultaneously and also to exchange confidential information bilaterally.

Further information and links:

 

Questions?

germanbiobanknode@charite.de

Tel. +49. 30. 450 536 347


Fax +49. 30. 450 753 69 38

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