Okuzeka
Genetics & Biotechnology vocabulary · Bioethics and Regulation

Biobank

Meaning in genetics & biotechnology, with examples

/ˈbaɪoʊbæŋk/nounAdvanced term

In genetics & biotechnology, biobank means: A large, organized collection of biological samples, such as blood, DNA or tissue, stored together with health and personal data for use in research.

In Turkish: biyobanka

How it is used

Used in genomics, epidemiology and research ethics. A well-known example is UK Biobank, with about half a million participants. Biobanks raise questions about consent, privacy, data sharing and returning results to participants. Researchers 'apply for access' to biobank data.

Example sentences

  1. We applied for access to biobank data on 50,000 people with heart disease.

  2. Samples stored in the biobank can be used in future studies if participants agree.

Common collocations

  • population biobank
  • biobank samples
  • biobank data
  • biobank consent
  • apply for biobank access
  • informed consentPermission that a person gives freely to take part in research or to have a test or treatment, after the purpose, risks and benefits have been clearly explained.
  • ethics committeeAn independent group of experts and lay members that reviews research involving people or animals to protect the participants' rights, safety and welfare.
  • genetic testingMedical or research tests that examine a person's DNA, chromosomes or genes to find variants linked to a disease, a health risk or ancestry.
  • GWASGenome-wide association study: a study that tests hundreds of thousands of genetic variants in many people to find which ones are more common in those with a particular trait or disease.

More terms: Bioethics and Regulation

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: