FAQ

A biobank is a facility that collects, stores and manages biological samples (such as blood, tissue and DNA) together with the associated data. These resources are used to support medical research aimed at understanding diseases, improving diagnoses and developing new treatments.

Biobanks play a key role in advancing medical research by providing scientists with high-quality samples and data. This helps discover new treatments, understand the genetic basis of disease, and develop personalised medicine approaches.

Any patient receiving care at the Padua University Hospital may be invited to take part. Contributions are voluntary and participation is based on informed consent.

You may be asked to donate blood, tissue (collected during medical procedures), urine, saliva or other biological material, as well as to share information about your medical history and lifestyle.

Your samples and data will be used for approved research studies aimed at understanding and treating various diseases. All research projects undergo ethical review to ensure they comply with legal and ethical standards.

Yes, your privacy is a top priority. Your samples and data are anonymised or pseudonymised, meaning they are labelled with a code and cannot be traced back to you without additional information, which is stored securely and accessible only to authorised staff.

Yes, participation is entirely voluntary and you can withdraw your consent at any time. If you withdraw, your remaining samples and data will be destroyed or returned, unless they have already been used in completed studies.

No, your decision to take part (or not) in the biobank will not affect the quality of your medical care or your relationship with your healthcare providers.

No, participation in the biobank is a voluntary contribution to medical research and there is no payment for donating samples or data.

Biobank participants generally do not receive individual results, as the research is not focused on providing diagnoses or treatments for specific individuals. However, overall research findings may be shared on the biobank's website or through publications.

Yes, researchers from other academic institutions and approved commercial organisations can access the biobank's resources, but only for ethically approved studies that are in line with the biobank's mission.

The biobank operates under strict ethical and legal guidelines, including review by an independent ethics committee. It complies with national and international regulations governing biobanking and data protection.

You can take part by talking to your doctor or contacting the biobank team. They will provide you with detailed information and a consent form to sign if you choose to participate.

The biobank is funded by the Padua University Hospital, by research grants, and by contributions from academic and commercial research partners under cost-recovery arrangements.

Absolutely. Our team is happy to answer any question and provide detailed information about the biobank and its procedures. Please contact us directly or speak to your doctor.