[Biological safety in the storage and transport of biological specimens from patients with respiratory diseases used in research settings].

Major advances in genomics and proteomics have prompted the creation of biological specimen collections and biobanks for use in biomedical research. These specimen collections and the wealth of data they generate will allow longitudinal studies to be conducted and subproducts such as DNA or RNA to be obtained. They may even be used in future studies. To ensure specimen integrity, from the outset it is necessary to define procedures for sampling, transport and storage, the subproducts to be obtained, and the end purpose, as well as to address biosafety issues and arrange for suitable equipment monitoring. Strict control of these conditions will confer added value on the specimens, as quality and traceability would be assured. This article aims to provide a general overview of the recommendations concerning biological safety, transport, and storage of biological specimens for biomedical research into respiratory diseases in accordance with current legislation.