Biobanks are an organized collection of biological material and associated data, which is a valuable resource available to all bona fide researchers conducting various research for betterment of science and society. The National Heart Failure Biobank is one of seven projects sanctioned for the Centre for Advanced Research and Excellence (CARE) in Heart Failure, funded by the ICMR (Ref: No. Coord/7(2)/CARE‐HF/18‐NCD‐II).

Why do we need a Biobank in HF?

• Bio bank is a valuable resource for genetic epidemiology, personalized medicine and research on disease mechanisms.
• To identifying protein biomarkers and susceptibility genes for various cardiovascular disorders and drug responses
• A biobank through integration of molecular data with the clinical information can be used to perform multiple hypothesis-driven studies.
• HF is an emerging epidemic with impact in the health system in India and the developing world.
• No organized biobanks in HF in India

Objectives of the HF Biobank

• To create standard operating protocols (SOPs) for the collection of well annotated biological specimen, processing, storage and transportation.
• To set in place, quality control measures for ensuring stability of genetic, protein and metabolic markers.
• To provide researchers with better access to blood and tissue specimens and the associated relevant clinical data while maintaining appropriate standards of quality, security and patients' confidentiality.
• To develop networking policies for the use of biobanked samples and utilizing the biobank infrastructure for prospective recruitment of sample donors for specific studies.

Standard operating protocols (SOPs)

• ICMR 2017 National Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical and Health Research Involving Human Participants
• ICMR 2006 Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research on Human Participants
• ISBER- International Society for Biological and Environmental repositories 2012 Best Practices Guidelines
• ISO 20387 (ISO 20387:2018 "Biobanking—General requirements for biobanking")

How a biobank works?