Establishing an oral fluid repository: experience at the Ural State Medical University Biobank

A biobank is a unique platform for modern applied and basic biomedical research. This department not only stores biological samples, but also systematizes the clinical and laboratory information for each sample. In 2023 a decision was made to create a biobank as part of the Central Research Laboratory at the Ural State Medical University. First, a type of biological material had to be selected to create a collection and associated information. The decision to form the first collection of oral fluid samples was driven by our long history of research in oral fluid biomarkers.

The aim of this article is to describe the experience of establishing a university biobank based on a collection of oral fluid samples. The article reviews the major stages of establishing and operating a biobank, describes techniques for preparing oral fluid samples, and provides statistics on sample collections. Currently, the majority of oral fluid samples in the biobank are obtained from conditionally healthy patients and patients with various diseases. The studies used biobank collections to search for prognostic biomarkers of various medical conditions.

Therefore, a university biobank is an opportunity for university staff to improve the quality and reproducibility of research and clinical trials.