PASSIM – an open source software system for managing information in biomedical studies

We present a web-based tool for submission, management and retrieval of sample and research subject data. The system secures confidentiality by separating anonymized sample information from individuals' records. It is simple and generic, and can be customised for various biomedical studies. Information can be both entered and accessed using the same web interface. User groups and their privileges can be defined. The system is open-source and is supplied with an on-line tutorial and necessary documentation. It has proven to be successful in a large international collaborative project.The presented system closes the gap between the need and the availability of lightweight software solutions for managing information in biomedical studies involving human research subjects.Recording detailed information on collection, processing and storage of samples is crucial both for efficient reporting on any biomedical study and for subsequent data analysis [1]. Collecting and storing this information in a systematic way is particularly important in the context of high-throughput applications, such as proteomics and genomics technologies. Thus, systems facilitating patient and sample data management are in high demand.We have developed an open-source software system for recording, storing, and providing access to information on biosamples. This system – Patient and Sample System for Information Management (PASSIM) – allows researchers to track information pertinent to sample collection, processing, location, transportation and storage conditions. PASSIM provides an efficient solution to confidentiality issues by separate storage of non-identifiable sample information and records of research participants. The system is web-based, which means that non-identifiable information is kept on a server and can be securely accessed on-line for queries or new submissions by authorised users via web-browser. PASSIM is simple and generic, and thus can be customized for various types of biologic