Biospecimen Best Practices
One of the most widely recognized and significant roadblocks to progress in cancer research is the lack of high-quality research biospecimens. The collection, processing and storage methods for biospecimens (such as blood and tissues) can be different across different research and medical institutions. The way that associated data is handled can also differ. These differences can significantly affect the usefulness of biospecimens used in research and the reproducibility of derived research data. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has developed several resources to improve the quality, consistency, and availability of biospecimens and associated data for cancer research.
NCI developed the NCI Best Practices for Biospecimen Resources (NCI Best Practices), the NCI Biospecimen Evidence-Based Practices (BEBP) series, and the NCI Best Practices for Postmortem Recovery based on extensive research and with community input. These best practices are intended to be adapted, as appropriate, based on the scientific needs and mission of the individual researcher or institution.