Electronic biorepository application system: web-based software to manage receipt, peer review, and approval of researcher applications to a biobank.

ABSTRACT

The importance of suitably characterized and preserved biospecimens for research is acknowledged, yet providing information about the availability of biospecimens and associated data, responding to enquiries from researchers, processing applications for material, and seeking independent scientific review of proposed projects are complex and time-consuming processes. Most biorepositories operate as not-for-profit entities; therefore, cost containment is a major consideration. We identified that online systematizing and automation of all of the tasks associated with application management could reduce the administrative workload and therefore reduce costs and improve the efficiency of a biobank. Accordingly, we have developed a Web-based electronic Biorepository Application System (eBAS) that allows researchers to search for suitable material from the biobank database, submit an online expression of interest, and complete all the information required for a full application. Peer review is also managed through eBAS. Implementation of eBAS has streamlined application management and external peer review of researcher applications, and has facilitated automated record storage and management. This approach has potential to reduce the costs and complexities of administering researcher applications. We have also linked eBAS to an open-source clinical research and specimen management database, Caisis.