The Evolution of Biospecimen Collection: From Site-Based to Home-Based
For decades, the collection of biological samples for research has followed a predictable pattern: participants travel to clinical sites where trained professionals draw blood, collect urine, or gather other specimens in controlled environments. Now, a significant transformation is underway in the biospecimen collection landscape—one that is expanding possibilities for both researchers and participants.
Why Longitudinal Health Data Matters in Research
The landscape of medical research is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Traditionally, researchers have relied on point-in-time data collection—snapshots of patient health captured during specific study visits or through one-time reviews of medical records. Today, the integration of electronic medical records (EMRs) and longitudinal health data into research workflows is opening new frontiers for discovery, enabling more comprehensive, historically informed, and representative studies.