In 2011, Watson and Barnes proposed a schema for classifying biobanks into 3 groups (mono-, oligo-, and polyuser), primarily based upon biospecimen access policies. We used results from a recent comprehensive survey of cancer biobanks in New South Wales, Australia to assess the applicability of this biobank classification schema in an Australian setting. Cancer biobanks were identified using publically available data, and by consulting with research managers. A comprehensive survey was

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... and administered through a face-toface setting. Data were analyzed using Microsoft ExcelÔ 2010 and IBM SPSS StatisticsÔ version 21.0. The cancer biobank cohort (n = 23) represented 5 mono-user biobanks, 7 oligo-user biobanks, and 11 poly-user biobanks, and was analyzed as two groups (mono-/oligo-versus poly-user biobanks). Poly-user biobanks employed significantly more full-time equivalent staff, and were significantly more likely to have a website, share staff between biobanks, access governance support, utilize quality control measures, be aware of biobanking best practice documents, and offer staff training. Mono-/oligo-user biobanks were significantly more likely to seek advice from other biobanks. Our results further delineate a biobank classification system that is primarily based on access policy, and demonstrate its relevance in an Australian setting. 212 BIOBANK CLASSIFICATION IN AUSTRALIA 217 35. McShane L, Hayes D. Publication of tumor marker research results: The necessity for complete and transparent reporting. J Clin Oncol 2012;30:4223-4232. 36. Simeon-Dubach D, Burt A, Hall P. Quality really matters: The need to improve specimen quality in biomedical research. J Pathol 2012;228:431-433. 37. Moore H. Moving toward biospecimen harmonisation with evidence-based practices.