Vietnam biobanking feasibility study: An overview of biobanking landscape, infrastructure, and capacity

Within Southeast Asia, there are still some challenges in managing non-communicable diseases and public health. Vietnam's government has supported its biotech research and pharmaceutical capacity for many years, including creating research infrastructure such as biobanks. To better understand the situation of biobanks in Vietnam, a feasibility study adapted from previous biobank work in Southeast Asia was conducted to analyze the knowledge gap for biobanking in Vietnam. The questionnaire was redefined for the purpose of the Vietnamese research climate, with 66 items categorized into 8 sections. Specifically, the study analyzed the following information: 1) General Information, (2) Biobank Information, (3) Sample and Storage Management, (4) Biobank Infrastructure, (5) Operational Resources and Personnel, (6) Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), (7) Quality Management Systems (QMS), and (8) Risk Management Systems. The results showed that most biobanks in Vietnam have good energy supplies and backup power. Internet access was more critical, and backup sources were rare. Human resource management and training programs were well established. The QMS and LIMS were widespread, thus promoting confidence in the quality of biobanking, while waste management was also in place. However, reliable and available dry ice was hard to find, and sensitive data/documents lacked confidentiality. Most biobanks have a contingency plan, but alert systems/breach procedures raised questions about the quality of the contingency plans. To our knowledge, this is the first feasibility study of the biobank infrastructure in Vietnam. Our results, based on a selected group of biobanks, suggest there are well-established; however, there are critical challenges that should be addressed in the near future. Ultimately, the findings in this study should provide a foundation for future policy work, informed strategic planning, and resource allocation for the sustainable development and operation of biobanks in Vietnam. Additionaly, another survey with a broader group of biobanks should be planned.