On the cover this month: Inside a Vial Store. As new technologies are developed
for using biological specimens to diagnose and treat disease, as well as to
evaluate genetic risks, both researchers and patients are becoming more aware
of the importance and benefits of biobanking. The last 2 decades have seen an
increasing interest in the collection and storage of biological samples for further
investigation. Although the number of biological specimens that have been
collected and stored worldwide is not known, it is likely to be in the millions. This
issue of Clinical Chemistry contains a Q and A feature in which 5 experts focus on
quality management, biobank network design, the long-term sustainability of
biobanks, public perceptions, and the controversial issue of returning of research
results to biospecimen donors.