Recent advances in the biological and medical fields have increased the value of research on biological samples stored in biobanks. These biological resources are an essential element to the development of research in many developing countries. Therefore, a good knowledge of biobanking by the staff of biological and medical laboratories can ensure an effective collection of samples for biobanking and thus the development of innovation in the field of biomedical research.
Very few studies have assessed knowledge of biobanking among laboratory professionals in general and no such studies were conducted in Côte d’Ivoire in particular. The main objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of laboratory professionals about biobanking.
A total of 205 people completed the questionnaire. Of these 205 people, 34.63% were biologists, 7.32% engineers, 48.78% technicians, and 9.27% Ph.D. students. The results showed a notable lack of awareness of the term “Biobank” and its role, activities, interests, and existence in Côte d’Ivoire. There is, therefore, a need to plan additional awareness training programs tailored to laboratory professionals to familiarize them with biobanking. The awareness of the importance of active participation in biobanking should also be extended to all biobank staff, health care providers, including laboratory professionals, and the general public in order to improve sampling collection and thus enhance the value of biomedical research in Côte d’Ivoire and even in Africa.
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