A virtual biobank is a virtual repository which provides data extracted from and characterizing samples stored at classical biobanks.[1] Virtual biobanks are large databases and can provide high-resolution images of samples as well as other characteristic data. These virtual biobanks can be accessed via specialized software or web portals. Samples are stored in a decentralized manner.
The use of virtual biobanks provides access, in the form of pre-collected data, without requiring access to the physical sample. This allows the sample's data to be more readily shared without fear of contaminating/destroying/transporting the sample.
Virtual biobanks are often used in bioinformatics.