Metrics for Evaluating Bioresource Effectiveness: How Can Biobank Software Help Biobanks Succeed?

If there is no bioresource, then there can’t be clinical research. In the same vein, clinical research is only as good as the quality of the bioresources that are available. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of collected bioresources goes to waste. The problem lies not in the model of the research but rather in a mismatch between the goals of the bioresource and the model chosen by the researcher. 

Bioresources offer promising opportunities across various industries, including agriculture, energy, clinical research, drug discovery, and environmental protection. As we delve into the era of precision medicine, it becomes crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of these bioresources. This blog explores the importance of measuring success in bioresource applications and highlights key metrics to assess their impact.

What Are Bioresources 

In the context of clinical labs, bioresources refer to biological materials and specimens collected from patients or healthy persons that are used for diagnostic, research, and therapeutic purposes. These resources are essential for conducting various medical tests, analyzing diseases, developing new treatments, and advancing medical knowledge. Bioresources in clinical labs can include the following:

• Human Specimens: This category includes samples such as blood, urine, tissue, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, and other bodily fluids and tissues.

• Microorganisms: Clinical labs may work with microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, for diagnostic testing and research purposes. Cultures of infectious agents are used to identify the cause of infections and determine appropriate treatments.

• Cell Lines: Immortalized cell lines derived from human or animal tissues are often used in clinical labs for studying cellular behavior, drug testing, and vaccine development.

• DNA and RNA: Genetic material, including DNA and RNA, is analyzed in clinical labs for genetic testing, identifying genetic disorders, and researching genetic variations associated with diseases.

• Antibodies and Proteins: Antibodies and proteins are essential for various diagnostic tests, including immunoassays and molecular diagnostics, which aid in the identification of diseases and monitoring treatment responses.

The bioresources mentioned above are the underpinnings of medical research. It is, therefore, critical to have the proper metrics in place that will help determine if they are well utilized.

Metrics for Evaluating Bioresource Effectiveness

“Tell us the whole story” is part of a heading used by researchers in a study recently published in Biopreservation and Biobanking. This alludes to the fact that oftentimes, the number of specimens collected and stored in a freezer only tells part of the story. According to the authors, the full story should include other factors that we will discuss in the section below. 

• The Suitability and Effectiveness of the Bioresource: The bioresources offered to investigators should match the needs of the research model and offer insights needed to address the research question. This should result in the generation of new knowledge.
• Distribution of the Bioresource: There should be quantitative metrics in place characterizing how the bioresources were distributed and the publications that have been supported.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: The economic benefits derived from bioresource applications should be evaluated and compared to the costs associated with obtaining them.
• Market Value: There is a need to track the market value and demand for bioresource-derived products and to gauge their commercial viability and potential for economic growth.
• Employment Opportunities: Once bioresources are collected, it is important to measure the number of jobs created directly and indirectly by the bioresource industry. This helps to quantify how the industry is contributing to local economies and communities.
• Research Output: Bioresources are primarily collected for research. It is, therefore, imperative to measure the volume and quality of scientific research and publications related to bioresource utilization. This indicates the level of interest and investment in the field to guide future bioresource allocation. 

Why Measure Success in Bioresource Applications?

Bioresources hold tremendous potential to transform industries and contribute to a more sustainable future. To ensure responsible and efficient utilization, it is vital to monitor and evaluate their effectiveness. 

Measuring success serves the following purposes:

• Ensuring Resource Efficiency: By assessing the efficiency of bioresource utilization, we can identify areas for improvement and optimize processes for maximum output with minimal waste.
• Accountability and Transparency: Evaluating the impact of bioresource applications promotes transparency and accountability among stakeholders, fostering trust in these sustainable practices.
• Targeted Research: Metrics for success provide valuable feedback to researchers and developers, guiding their efforts towards solutions that align with specific goals and objectives.
• Policy and Regulation Development: Robust metrics enable policymakers to make informed decisions, shaping effective regulations and incentives that support sustainable bioresource utilization.

How Biobank Software Can Be Used to Improve Success in Bioresource Effectiveness

Biobank software can play a crucial role in improving success in bioresource effectiveness by enhancing data management, streamlining workflows, ensuring compliance, and promoting collaboration. The efficiency and insights gained from biobank software can lead to better-informed decisions, optimized bioresource utilization, and ultimately, more effective and sustainable bioresource applications. CloudLIMS offers a cloud-hosted biobanking LIMS that can be deployed swiftly with zero upfront costs. 

Conclusion

The growing utilization of bioresources presents immense opportunities to address pressing global challenges sustainably. However, ensuring the success and effectiveness of these applications requires rigorous evaluation. By employing the metrics discussed above, we can drive the bioresource industry towards responsible practices that benefit the environment, society, and the economy. Embracing efficiency,  transparency, accountability, and targeted research will pave the way for better patient care powered by the potential of bioresources.