Virtual Biobank Platform#

The Virtual Bio Bank (VBB) platform is developed to collect, store, and view the biosample metadata. The VBB platform enables the researchers to search, filter, and view biosample information integrated with other clinical or experimental data. This platform provides a valuable resource for the future (bio)medical research. The platform includes Virtual Biobank REDCap and Virtual Biobank ADA.

Data capture workflow#

Data capture for collecting sample metadata in the Virtual Biobank platform includes two parts: eCRF data and sample metadata.

LUMS account#

To have any access to these platforms of ImmUniverse, you need the LUMS account. If you do not have a LUMS account, please follow the instruction to create a LUMS account or add the tools with your LUMS account .

Sample metadata collection#

Virtual Biobank REDCap based electronic data capture platform has been developed to facilitate the batch upload of sample metadata. The sample metadata could be collected in two ways:

Single sample: The records can be entered (manually) per sample. After inputting the sample information, the sample ID will be generated automatically, and the remaining information could be imported by UI per single sample.
Batch upload of multiple samples: Using the standard VBB template, sample owners can upload the metadata in CSV format to the EDC platform. The data dictionary could be referenced during batch template creation. The completed template could be imported to REDCap from REDCap import page. Unique ImmUniverse identifier (sample ID) will be generated by VBB REDCap after the batch-template uploaded.The batch uploaded information will undergo a validation step using the build-in function of REDCap for data format. In case of any formatting errors, the EDC platform will notify the sample owners of the identified issue and request corrections to the format. Only validated records are stored in the EDC system.

Notice#

The data dictionary needs to be referred to during the template creation.

Sample data storage and visualized with ADA.#

Once the metadata is uploaded to the EDC platform, UNILU verifies the upload and imports it to the Virtual Biobank ADA. Ada is a performant and highly configurable system for secured integration, visualization, and collaborative analysis of heterogeneous data sets. The instruction of login and visualisation data in ADA could be found on ADA page.

Videos: How to log in and generate a view with ADA.