The Bio-PIN: a concept to improve biobanking.

Nietfeld, J J; Sugarman, Jeremy; Litton, Jan-Eric · Nat Rev Cancer · 2011

review · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

A new biobanking method is proposed, wherein samples and associated data would be deposited anonymously and labelled using a PIN code that is produced on the basis of personal biological characteristics, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms. The code would be the 'Bio-PIN' to uniquely distinguish the sample depositors, plus their samples and data. This method could help to diminish several long-discussed ethical, legal and societal problems in biobanking regarding privacy, informed consent, autonomy, data security and public trust.

Medical subject headings