Answer: The Wuhan Sample Bank connects government, industry, academia, research institutions, medical organizations, and the public through three major centers— a preservation center, an information center, and an innovation center. It leverages favorable government policies to provide samples and resources for industrial development, offering multidimensional support for academic research—from sample collection to scientific research services. It also serves as a platform providing samples and information for clinical studies, promotes the translation of medical technologies and research findings into practical applications, enhances public health levels, and serves the people’s livelihood (TO B TO C TO G TO H).

Answer: The information platform for the Wuhan Biobank was established under the guidance of the National Cybersecurity Emergency Response Center, which is responsible for reviewing information on human genetic resources. The security and reliability of the sample bank information system are primarily ensured through the following four aspects:

(1) Infrastructure Security: The data center housing the sample library is equipped with a triple power backup system comprising UPS, dual mains power supplies, and a diesel generator, providing robust protection against natural disasters (such as waterproofing and lightning protection).

(2) Qualification and Security: The Wuhan Sample Bank has already obtained Level 3 certification for information security protection, with robust safeguards in terms of equipment, supervision, and systems.

(3) Network Security: The data center housing the Wuhan sample database is not connected to the external network and can only be accessed via VPN. Business resources and the control layer are physically isolated by relying on a private cloud platform.

(4) Data Security: All critical data are protected by a strategy that combines real-time local backups with regular offsite backups, ensuring triple redundancy for data protection.

Answer: The sample types stored in the Wuhan biobank include blood, urine, stool, saliva, semen, cerebrospinal fluid, human tissues, as well as DNA and RNA, among other types. For research collaboration projects, the appropriate storage equipment will be selected based on sample type, expected storage duration, and research objectives. For projects providing temporary storage services, the storage equipment and conditions can be chosen according to the needs of the collaborating parties, or recommended by the Wuhan Sample Bank. In addition, automated equipment boasts high-throughput, automated storage capabilities, enabling efficient batch operations for large population cohorts and providing robust assurance of sample quality.

Answer: The samples in the Wuhan Biobank are sourced from institutions qualified to collect samples, such as medical institutions, disease control centers, and blood banks. If other institutions express interest in collaborating and can provide documentation proving that their sample sources are compliant and lawful, they too can have their samples stored in the biobank. Not all of the existing samples are from patients with diseases; some are from healthy individuals (e.g., population-based cohorts).

Answer: The Wuhan Sample Bank is the first third-party sample bank to obtain preservation qualifications following the promulgation and implementation of the “Regulations on Human Genetic Resources.” It meets all safety storage requirements in terms of site, facilities, equipment, personnel, and technical standards. (It features a multi-temperature-layer storage area for backup storage of samples, employs five layers of electrical safety protection measures, uses iris recognition technology for access control, implements modular, tiered management of system permissions, and utilizes real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and oxygen concentration to ensure the proper operation of equipment.) The Wuhan sample bank conducts regular random checks of samples in accordance with quality system requirements and performs verification—at the nucleic acid, protein, and other levels—based on customer needs (using quality control samples).

Answer: The Wuhan Sample Bank provides highly secure and convenient channels and methods for users to access their stored information. By assigning users corresponding system accounts and adhering to the principle of least privilege when granting user permissions, the bank also offers a VPN access tool that enables connection to the internal information systems of the Wuhan Sample Bank. This ensures that users can log in to the system at any time, from anywhere, and query their sample-related information in real time.

Answer: The Wuhan Sample Bank Information Center can provide services to external parties. The Wuhan sample bank adopts a hybrid cloud architecture that not only provides external storage and computing resource leasing services but also offers software leasing services such as sample information management systems (including clinical and follow-up systems, imaging systems, multi-omics data management systems, medical intelligent data platforms, and big data research and analysis systems), clinical data statistical analysis and bioinformatics analysis, and data resource utilization services.

Answer: Currently, the logistics for sample preservation services are handled by professional third-party cold-chain logistics companies. Customers can either choose their own provider or opt for one designated by the Wuhan Sample Bank, provided that the logistics company’s system can seamlessly integrate with the Wuhan Sample Bank’s information system.

Answer: The Wuhan biobank does not store samples of infectious diseases.

The Wuhan Sample Bank has a stringent biosecurity assurance system: For samples of known infectious types, we will exclude them based on the pathogenic risk posed by the respective pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites). As for unknown high-pathogenicity factors, we have established a series of measures—including pre-examination procedures, standardized experimental operating protocols during the experiment, and emergency response plans for post-experiment situations—to ensure biosecurity. The preservation center’s laboratory is designed and planned according to P2 laboratory standards, ensuring that it meets safety storage requirements in terms of site, facilities, equipment, personnel, and technical specifications. In the event of any abnormal situation—such as sample leakage, exposure or infection of personnel, or fire—the staff will promptly implement the pre-established emergency response plan, which has been regularly rehearsed on a daily basis, thereby minimizing risks to the greatest extent possible.

Answer: When applying to use the samples, you must submit a research proposal, an ethics approval document, and complete the “Sample Release Application Form.” After ensuring that the use of the samples complies with ethical standards, you will need to sign the “Sample Transfer and Usage Cooperation Agreement,” which will specify the mechanism for sharing research outcomes based on each party’s respective contributions.

Meanwhile, for samples that have already been released from the warehouse, the Wuhan Sample Bank will no longer assume any regulatory responsibility; instead, the party that requested the release of the samples will bear the corresponding responsibilities and risks.