Interactive Software is working closely with the UKCRC Tissue Directory and Coordination Centre to connect Biobanks within the UK.
The objective of this innovative project is to improve researchers’ access to quality research sample data from diverse data sources. The UKCRC Tissue Directory aims to be the first port of call for researchers sourcing biological samples for their studies.
The real value of Biobanks is not simply measured by the number of biological samples held in their inventory. It is how those samples can be optimised for use in investigative scientific research.
Connecting Biobanks in the UK will offer researchers greater choice
In addition, the expectations of researchers have changed with advances in technology and an increasingly competitive marketplace. Researchers expect to be able to locate and find samples with very specific characteristics and biomarkers – quickly and easily.
A centralised tissue directory providing standardised data on research samples will help reduce administrative burdens on researchers, reduce the time they spend on sourcing samples and offer greater choice.
Sharing biological sample data has ethical and legal challenges, in addition to the technical considerations that are required to manage diverse data structures.
How Achiever Medical is helping to Connect Biobanks
Interactive Software is helping address these challenges. Interactive Software is the developer of Achiever Medical, a comprehensive Laboratory and Sample Management solution whose customers include Nottingham University Hospitals, Cambridge University of Hospitals and Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust. The Achiever Medical solution enables research institutions and biobanks to streamline their data and lab processes in line with their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). In addition, they can securely manage clinical and sample data using their own terminology, auditing processes, quality procedures and classifications.
As part of this project, Achiever Medical is enabling customers to securely transfer selected sample metadata via the UKCRC API into the centralised UKCRC Tissue Directory. A configurable translation tool has been created within the Achiever Medical application that allows customers’ data to be dynamically translated into a standardised format based on rules defined and managed by the customer. This original product development encourages collaboration across Biobanks and researchers.
“Interactive Software has been excited about its collaboration with the UKCRC and being able to contribute to the development of a reality that promotes partnership amongst industry, academia and the NHS. Biobanks are moving away from existing in isolation, and industry needs to facilitate the sharing of data so that high quality samples can be made available to further research and the treatment of disease. This coincides with the release of our latest version of Achiever Medical, and together we think this offers our users a very powerful solution. We look forward to helping the UKCRC vision turn into reality.”
Sandie Shokar, Business Development Director, Interactive Software
“We are thrilled to be working with industry in such a positive way and Interactive Software have been such a strong supporter of this work from the outset. We are excited by the potential that such a solution can deliver by ensuring Biobanks can allow data about the samples they hold to be discovered by the research community and thereby ensuring Biobanks deliver on their promise to patients in ensuring donated samples are used to improve health care. We would call on all providers of software to Biobanks to follow in the leadership of Interactive Software and make this an integrated component of every product.”
Phil Quinlan, Director, UKCRC Tissue Directory and Coordination Centre, University of Nottingham
The initial beta version of the Achiever Medical integration incorporating the UKCRC Tissue Directory API integration that will help to connect Biobanks is anticipated at the end of April 2019.
About UKCRC
The mission of the UKCRC Tissue Directory and Coordination Centre (UKCRC TDCC) is to maximise the use, value and impact of the UK’s human sample resources in the UK, and beyond. The UKCRC TDCC is doing this by creating a world-leading, research-enabling, and networked biobanking infrastructure, the UKCRC Tissue Directory, to facilitate the discovery and use of human samples and data. Run by a dedicated team across the University of Nottingham and University College London, the creation of the UKCRC TDCC was mandated by the UK Clinical Research Collaboration via their Vision for Human Tissue Resources. For more information, please visit www.biobankinguk.org or follow us on Twitter @biobankinguk.
About Interactive Software
At Interactive Software, we have over 25 years’ experience in helping our customers transform their lab processes and provide greater transparency and insight into their data using our innovative Laboratory Sample Management Software, Achiever Medical.
To find out more information or to see how Achiever Medical can help your Biobank contact our team.
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