The first Lithuanian Population and Rare Diseases Biobank has opened at the Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine Medical Science Center. All Lithuanian residents, including children, are invited to become participants. According to the biobank founders, this is a civic duty for each of us, contributing to the creation of a healthier society.
The population biobank will collect, store, and research a unique collection of our nation's biological samples and other health information.
Invitation from the Biobank Director
Dr. Giedrė Kvedaravičienė, Director of the Lithuanian Population and Rare Diseases Biobank, expressed hope that a large proportion of Lithuanian residents will become participants of the population biobank in the future.
"I would like to emphasize that the success of the population biobank will depend on all of us. Every participant is important, because the larger the biological sample collection we accumulate, the more value we will have for our science. I appeal to everyone: the scientific and academic community, Vilnius University alumni, healthcare professionals, teachers, athletes, cultural workers, journalists, and all Lithuanian residents. Become participants of the population biobank – your contribution is extremely important. Together let's create a healthier Lithuania – for ourselves and for future generations of our country."
Who Can Become a Biobank Participant and How?
All Lithuanian residents are invited to become participants of the population biobank, including children from birth (with the consent of both parents or guardians).
Residents wishing to become biobank participants are invited to:
- Register at biobankas.mf.vu.lt
- Confirm consent to become a biobank participant
- Complete the questionnaire
- Provide a blood sample at the biobank laboratory or partner network
Blood samples can be provided at the biobank laboratory at the VU Faculty of Medicine Medical Science Center in Vilnius, or at "Rezus" healthcare facilities belonging to the biobank's partner network in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Šiauliai. In the future, as biobank activities expand, this will be possible in other cities and healthcare facilities as well.
What Samples Will Be Collected?
The population biobank will collect, store, and manage biological samples and health information from all healthy Lithuanian residents not suffering from critical diseases (e.g., oncological conditions). Biological samples from residents with rare diseases will also be collected in this biobank.
Currently, the biobank is beginning to collect and store blood samples from the Lithuanian population. In the future, based on the needs of society and medical science, other biological samples are planned to be collected.
Data Security
The biobank has been granted a license by the State Health Care Accreditation Agency. Health data collected by the biobank will be stored on Vilnius University network data storage systems and servers, in compliance with the strictest data protection requirements.
All information about biobank participants is confidential – scientists or researchers will not have access to data identifying the identity of people participating in the biobank. Samples stored in the biobank will be coded, and access for researchers will only be granted after receiving permission from the Lithuanian Bioethics Committee or the Regional Biomedical Research Ethics Committee.
Benefits of the Biobank for Society
The biobank operates as a data library – scientists can use the samples and health information collected there, instead of searching for new participants for each study.
According to scientists, the country's first population biobank and the unique collection of our nation's biological samples will open enormous opportunities for:
- Advancement of medical science
- Improvement of public health
- Health prevention
- Development of digital medicine
- Implementation of personalized medicine principles
"We are entering a new era in Lithuanian medical science, and most importantly, every Lithuanian resident can now become active participants in our medical progress. All you need to do is provide your blood sample" – says Dr. G. Kvedaravičienė.
Source: LRT.lt / BNS
