Background

For yourself and for others

Population biobank

collects, stores, and studies biological samples from Lithuanian residents. We invite residents to become participants in The Biobank of Lithuanian Population and Rare Disorders and to create a healthier Lithuania together. By donating a sample to the Biobank, you are contributing to the advancement of medical science.

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WHAT IS THE BIOBANK?

The population biobank is a long-term investment in the health of the Lithuanian society and the future of medicine. Biological samples of residents and related health information are collected, stored, and studied here to create more advanced disease prevention, diagnostic, and treatment solutions. All information accumulated in the Biobank is handled according to the highest data protection and ethical standards. Data is pseudonymized and used only for scientific purposes. The Biobank activities are licensed and conducted responsibly and transparently. All Lithuanian residents are invited to join the population biobank, including children from birth (with the consent of both parents or guardians).

WHAT AND WHY DO WE COLLECT?

The population biobank systematically collects biological samples and health data from all Lithuanian residents. Currently, blood samples are being collected and stored, and there are plans to expand the range of other biological samples in the future. This creates a unique collection of biological samples from Lithuanian residents that has no analogues. This data is extremely valuable to science. It is used for: - biomedical research, - disease prevention solutions, - the development of diagnostic and treatment methods, - the development of digital health technologies, - the implementation of personalized medicine in clinical practice. The Biobank functions like a scientific library: scientists can analyze data, discover new disease risk factors, and develop innovative drugs and treatment solutions. Collaboration between specialists in different fields paves the way for advanced, data-driven medicine.

WHO CAN BECOME THE BIOBANK PARTICIPANT?

Any Lithuanian resident can become a participant in the Biobank, from newborns to seniors. Minors are included with the consent of both parents or guardians. After completing the participant consent form and questionnaire, participants are invited to give a blood sample: - at the Biobank laboratory at the VU MF Medical Science Center (Žaliųjų Ežerų st. 2, Vilnius), - or at the branches of the Biobank partner network. The more people join, the greater the value created for science and society. Active public participation is the key to the success of the population biobank. This is a unique opportunity for every Lithuanian resident to contribute to the advancement of medical science, caring not only for their own health, but also for that of future generations.

About

Biobank Participation

Significance of biobank participation

Significance of biobank participation

  • The Biobank cannot function without you – your participation is very important.

  • By giving permission to use your biological samples and health information, you contribute to scientific progress.

  • This helps create new health promotion, disease prevention, diagnostic and treatment methods.

  • Biomedical research can reveal important information about your health.

  • With your consent, the Biobank can pass this information to your family doctor.

  • This can help provide you with more effective healthcare services and prevent or alleviate health disorders.

Information for participants

Information for participants

A Biobank is a scientific infrastructure that manages human biological samples and health information. This data is used for diagnostic research development, epidemiological and pharmaceutical research, public health monitoring, digital health technology development, and a wide range of biomedical research.
Biological samples are material taken from a living or deceased human body, such as blood, urine, skin samples or hair. Health information includes various data about your health status, diseases, their causes, treatment, course, heredity, and other socioeconomic factors related to health and lifestyle.
Participation is voluntary and only possible after signing the Participant Consent to participate in Biobank activities. Your samples and health information will be processed for an unlimited time or until you decide to withdraw your consent.
All information about Biobank participants is confidential – scientists and researchers do not have access to data that identifies your identity.
As the Biobank participant, you have the right to know in which scientific studies your samples and/or health information were used. Also, if you express a wish, health-relevant information obtained during research can be provided to your family doctor or to you personally.

News

Follow our latest news – learn more about what's happening at the BIOBANK.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

No, there are no such restrictions when donating blood to the Biobank. Therefore, you can give your biological samples without changing your usual diet.
Yes, drinking water, coffee, tea or other soft drinks before giving a blood sample or other biological samples is allowed.
Yes, it is recommended to avoid fatty food before giving blood, as a high fat ratio in the blood can negatively affect spectrophotometry, electrolyte analysis and blood composition tests performed with blood.
It is recommended not to consume alcohol 24 hours before giving blood.
Yes, except for increased bleeding risks (coagulopathy, thrombocytopathy).
About 5-15 minutes. There may be slight pain during puncture, and a bruise may appear at the puncture site after the procedure, which usually disappears within a few days.
Up to 50 mL of blood will be taken for Biobank samples.
No, no additional tests are required.
Yes. After familiarizing yourself with the purpose and procedure of participation in the Biobank, you need to sign an informed participant (or representative) consent form so that the Biobank can collect and process your biological samples and health information. You will also be asked to complete a questionnaire (which may take about 25-30 minutes) and informed patient consent for an interventional procedure (blood collection). When arriving at the Biobank or a medical institution cooperating with the Biobank, you must have an identity document with a photo.
A list of biomedical studies in which human biological samples and health information managed by the Biobank are or have been used will be published on our website.
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