Before Collection

Issues to consider before specimen collection begins.

Biomedical specimen collection in population studies requires consideration of a number of factors.

Study design

Blood components: Blood and the Cells it Contains from Meet the Blood Cells. Courtesy: National Center for Biotechnology Information.

The researcher must first consider study hypotheses and then balance the ideal clinical measurement against practical field conditions when selecting biomarkers for a population-based study.

Lab selection

Laboratory techniques evolve rapidly. Working with a lab that can collaborate on the use of biomarkers can be beneficial to behavioral scientist. It's critical to share the research goals and learn the language to be successful.

Field logistics

Once a biomarker has been identified, there are many logistical issues to address including developing and testing collection, storage, and transport protocols.

Ethical issues

Researchers much consider ethical issues about reporting results to the participant, safeguarding the specimens and the results, and the long-term disposition of biomarkers.

Specimen management

Once biomarkers are collected, they become a form of data. Managing and safeguarding those data involves many considerations.