Application for data and samples

MKC, MFM and MOS together, form a unique material from which significant research results in cancer, heart disease and diabetes, among others, has evolved.

Three cohorts with significant importance for research

Malmö Diet and Cancer, MDC, and Malmö Preventive Project, MPP, have together examined around 50,000 Malmö residents. The surveys began in the 1970s and the re-surveys were completed in 2012. In 2013, the Malmö Offspring Study, MOS, started, which examines the children and grandchildren of former participants in the MDC.

The information and blood samples collected within the cohorts constitute a unique material and a large number of research studies have been conducted based on these investigations. Many theses have been written and important results have been presented. The topics that have been investigated include risk factors for cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The investigations have also been used in studies of rheumatic diseases and the importance of social factors for health.

Collected samples is stored in Region Skåne's Biobank

Participants in the studies answered a series of questions about lifestyle (for example, smoking, alcohol and physical activity), previous illnesses and dietary habits. All participants were weighed and measured. Blood samples were taken and these are now collected in freezers at Skåne University Hospital, Malmö and Region Skåne Biobank BD47 in Lund.   

The collected material is a common asset for the scientific world. Researchers, from Sweden and from all over the world, are encouraged to use the materials in their studies. However, access to information and samples is subject to certain conditions.Ethical permission is required for all studies and all activities take place in accordance with the EU General data protection regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) (EU 2016/679) and in the Swedish regulation, SFS 2018:218 (SFS 2018:218). In some cases, personal data is needed, such as when collating against different registers, but this information is de-identified before it reaches individual researchers. More information on how to apply for materials can be found in the menu on the left.

Quality manual for the Biobank

In 2015, a quality manual was completed which has been developed as part of quality development for the sample collections. Quality assurance of the biobank is important to ensure good quality of the research based on the biobank and to ensure that the biobank can be used without damaging the integrity of the individual participants. The creation of a quality manual must guarantee that routines are in place for samples to be handled, stored and used in such a way that the quality, traceability and security of the biobank are met. Respect for the privacy of the individual participant must always be at the center. The manual is written in Swedish and there is no translation yet.

Quality manual Biobank (in Swedish) (pdf 318,5 kB)