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Archived patient samples of biological material coupled to clinical databases are valuable and hold the potential to improve patient care, quality control, research and development. Biobanks form a catalytic infrastructure which ensures the registration, handling and storage of collected biological material. Here, we describe the Haematology Biobank and stress the significance of a registration database. Together, these form the basis for retrospective validation of clinical progress and prognostic evaluation of new diagnostic methods, which can therefore be more quickly implemented in the clinic.

In haematology it is assumed that integrative analysis of global gene expression, protein and cell profiles as well as clinical data will lead to the development of new diagnostic, prognostic and predictive methods. A translational database system registering and combining all data and clinical observations about the patient is therefore needed. It is expected that along with automated prediction and prognosis tools, such a database system may have the potential to assist the development of new machine-based diagnostic decision-making processes.

The organization and infrastructure of clinical research in Denmark is currently in focus due to an ongoing review of Clinical Science performed by the National Ministry of Health. This review describes the background and philosophy for the integration of clinical research into practice and vice versa. This process is catalyzed by activities within the clinical research unit and the foundation is the clinical databases and biobanks. Understanding these mechanisms is fundamental for the quality of care in the Danish health care system and needs a national supportive strategy.