WHO WE ARE
The Biobank for Cancer and Rare Diseases serves as the central institution of the national biobanking infrastructure BBMRI.sk, through which it coordinates, supports, and connects its partner institutions. It actively contributes to the development of excellence in biomedical research and precision medicine by implementing the systematic and standardised collection, processing, and long-term storage of human biological samples in accordance with international quality standards.
The primary mission of the biobank is to provide access to high-quality biological samples and related data for research into cancer and rare diseases, including innovative fields such as liquid biopsy. In this way, the biobank makes a significant contribution to the advancement of modern diagnostics and the implementation of personalised treatment approaches for patients.
FOCUS AREAS
- Cancer research
- Rare diseases
- Liquid biopsy
- Minimally invasive diagnostic methods
- And others
COLLECTIONS
- Tissues
- Blood, plasma, buffy coat
- Urine, stool, saliva
- Clinical data
- Prospective collections
- Longitudinal collections
MAIN PROJECTS
- National grant schemes – VEGA, APVV
- Participation in infrastructure and networking projects
- General biobanking
UNIQUE STRENGTHS
- Close integration of clinical and research environments
- Expert multidisciplinary team
- Prospective collection of biological samples based on individual requirements
- Long-term collaboration with University Hospital Martin
- Long-term collaboration with the Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin
- Flexible support for research projects from design to implementation
COLLABORATIONS
- National: University Hospital Martin; Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, BBMRI.sk – Biobank of the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Biobank of the Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Biobank of the National Cancer Institute Bratislava, Biobank of the Louis Pasteur University Hospital Košice, Biobank of the F. D. Roosevelt University Hospital with Policlinic Banská Bystrica
- International: BBMRI.cz (Czech Republic); Medical University of Vienna (Austria)
SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
- Nucleic acid isolation, quality control (QC), data management
- Genotyping, NGS, cell lines (in collaboration with Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin)
- Cryogenic storage facilities (semi-automated −190 °C, automated −80 °C)
- Biobank information system
- Sample traceability
- ELSI, IT, and quality management (QM) consulting
ACCESS POLICY
- Transparent access policy
- Online application process
- MTA / DTA (Material Transfer Agreement / Data Transfer Agreement)
OUR DEPOSITORIES
The Biobank for Cancer and Rare Diseases in Martin has 3 basic types of depositories for biological material samples at different temperatures: -190°C, -80°C and 21°C. More information can be found below.
CRYO DEPOSITORY
The BioStore III 1800 Cryo is a semi-automated storage and retrieval system for samples, utilizing liquid nitrogen cooling to maintain a temperature of -190 °C (+/- 6 °C).
QUADBANK DEPOSITORY
The BioStore II Quadbank is a fully automated cryogenic storage system for sample management. It features a shelving storage system and a sliding robotic arm, maintaining a temperature of -80 °C.
FFPE AND HISTOLOGICAL SLIDES DEPOSITORY
The Paternoster EK 7003 depository is specifically designed for biobanking needs, providing storage and retrieval of samples at a temperature of 21 °C.
Biobank for Cancer and Rare Diseases
Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin
Comenius University in Bratislava
- L. Novomeského 11947 / 7B 036 01 Martin
