Preliminary inquiries

Feasibility studies and availability queries to biobank material

Before submitting a completely new research project application, you might want to do a preliminary query on THL Biobank sample and data availability. These queries are recommended for researchers who are not familiar with THL Biobank’s sample collections. If you are familiar with THL Biobank resources, you can skip this step and directly submit your application through our Application Portal REMS. Below is a more detailed description where to find information on THL Biobank resources and how to submit a feasibility study proposal or ask about biobank sample and data availability for your research idea.

THL Biobank Inquiry Form

Information on availability of THL Biobank resources or feasibility of your research idea can be inquired using the THL Biobank Inquiry form. We will aim to provide an first response to the queries within 1-2 weeks.
THL Biobank Inquiry Form (webropol)

In addition it is possible to enquire the availability of biobank material from all public biobanks operating in Finland (six hospital biobanks and THL Biobank) by submitting a joint feasibility request using FINBB's Fingenious service.
Fingenious Service

Available sample and data types

THL Biobank provides information on its sample collections and describes the available sample and datatypes on its webpages. THL Biobank also aims to provide detailed information on sample-related data items at KITE availability database.
THL Biobank sample collection descriptions

Linking data from national health registers

Health-related information from national registers can be linked to THL Biobank’s sample donors, thus complementing the samples and data available through the biobank. Currently, for availability query purposes THL Biobank has access to diagnoses (ICD10 codes) from national Hospital discharge Registry (HILMO) for all biobank's sample donors. However THL Biobank is not authorized to approve researchers' access to this data, but the linkage of the register data to the biobank sample donors can be done by a separate application process.

In case the planned project is carried out, project-specific register permissions are required from relevant register officials before starting the project, in addition to the biobank approval. The work done in the preliminary inquiry phase can be utilized later when extracting the data for the study.

Extensive inquiries as a service

Please note that the processing of inquiries and making feasibility studies is a service provided by THL Biobank. Biobank will be in contact if the inquiry is estimated to be extensive and therefore chargeable. It is recommended to get familiarized with the THL Biobank Access Policy and Service Prices prior to the inquiry.
Services and prices
Principles of access