FAQ

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

Biobanks play a critical role in advancing medical research by providing high-quality samples and data to scientists. This helps in discovering new treatments, understanding the genetic basis of diseases, and developing personalized medicine approaches.

Any patient receiving care at the University Hospital of Padova may be invited to participate. 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 materials, as well as 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 anonymized or pseudonymized, meaning they are labeled with a code and cannot be traced back to you without additional information, which is securely stored and accessed only by authorized personnel.

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 participate (or not) in the biobank will not impact 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 typically do not receive individual results, as the research is not focused on providing diagnoses or treatment for specific individuals. However, general findings from research may be shared on the biobank’s website or through publications.

Yes, researchers from other academic institutions and approved commercial organizations may access the biobank’s resources, but only for ethically approved studies that align 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 participate by speaking with your healthcare provider 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 University Hospital of Padova, research grants, and contributions from academic and commercial research partners under cost-recovery models.

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