Singapore tissue network in supporting biomedical research in Singapore

B71

The Singapore Tissue Network (STN) is the national bio-repository in facilitating translational and population research in Singapore. Our processes include collection, processing, storage and distribution of human samples while adhering strictly to our quality policy and standard operating procedure in achieving the highest quality. Samples are collected under strict ethical processes with informed consent and confidentiality. Samples archived at STN are used by researchers across the nation to further the advances of biomedical science.
 To date, STN has worked on a total of 22 completed and on-going projects. This includes disease specific (e.g., Dengue, Psoriasis, Schizophrenia), cohort study (Singapore Malay Eyes, Diabetic, Multi-Ethic), and cancer tissue collection. The number of biospecimens stored at STN has increased exponentially from 326 (in 664 storage vials) in year 2003 to 37,058 (114,422 storage vials) in July 2007, and the number continue to grow.
 Like other biobanks, STN faces many challenges in the biobanking operation. These challenges lead STN to embark on several strategic planning, including maintaining an efficient way of keeping track of samples and the associated clinical data, quality assurance management and quality control of samples, improving on sample processing, storage and distribution logistic, and maintaining a technologically advanced facility.
 By adhering to the highest quality standards and with strict adherence to our organizational objectives, timeliness, professionalism and conformance to the Code of Ethics, STN has achieved the ISO9001:2000 certification and is now an internationally recognized biobank. STN shall continue to improve on biobanking processes in support of biomedical research in Singapore.