Interactive Software has confirmed a new agreement which will see it become a major facilitator of connecting Biobanks in the UK. The organisation has made a new link up with the UKCRC Tissue Directory and Coordination Centre (TDCC) which will help them to achieve the aim of becoming the first choice for researchers who are sourcing biological samples for studies.
Thanks to the new digital infrastructure provided by Interactive Software, biological samples can now be optimised specifically to be used in investigative scientific research. With the planned network expansion of Biobanks, researchers will now be able to take advantage of far wider choice and pinpoint particular biomarkers or characteristics which they require. It will contribute to the far simpler location of samples with access to a centralised tissue directory. It is expected that researchers will be able to save a significant amount of time spent sourcing samples.
Interactive Software has developed new functionality to simplify the secure transfer of selected biological sample and associated metadata to the Tissue Directory. Through its Achiever Medical Sample Management solution, Biobanks will be able to streamline their data processes and manage clinical data using their own terminology whilst still securely connecting with the centralised Biobank network. The unique translation functionality developed within Achiever Medical dynamically translates each Biobank’s data and data labels into a standardised format for transfer to the UKCRC Tissue Directory. The translation rules are defined and managed by each Biobank themselves.
Sandie Shokar, Business Development Director, Interactive Software, said: “We are excited about our 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.”
Phil Quinlan, Director, Ukcrc tdcc, University of Nottingham said: “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.”
