‘Collected for unspecified future research’ and ‘legacy collections’ are not unfamiliar terms in biobanking with both holding potential for significant research contributions. In recent years however, the paradigm shift from measuring biobank success by collection size, as opposed to new metrics of measuring success by distribution, raises questions around legacy cohorts and their enduring scientific utility. Given the evolving landscape of scientific exploration, many legacy samples may not be sufficient for modern or indeed future research protocols based on collection method, storage conditions, availability of annotating data, ambiguous labelling or appropriate patient consent… just to name a few.
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