THL Biobank sample collections

The sample collections stored in THL Biobank consist of extensive research collections collected for monitoring the health of the Finnish population, as well as several disease-specific research collections. Typically the collections include information from various biological analyses and life-style data collected from the sample donors during the study. In biobank research, this information can also be combined with information obtained from national registers with separate permits.

The preservation of these valuable Finnish research collections and the promotion of their use is one of the statutory duties of THL Biobank. Combining THL Biobank’s collections with similar collections maintained by other biobanks provides researchers a powerful tool for promoting population health, identifying the causes of diseases, and developing new treatments.

In addition THL Biobank’s research collections are highly valuable and internationally unique research material. Finland's strengths include the population's positive attitude towards medical research, a uniform health care system, and several high-quality registers that enable researches to follow the health of their study subjects throughout their lives.

Currently samples and data from more than 230 000 donors is stored in THL Biobank.

Further information about sample collections

Detailed descriptions of THL Biobank’s research collections for researchers