Banking refers to collecting and storing data or biospecimens for future, unspecified research purposes. This is sometimes done alongside another research protocol or is done with the sole purpose of storage for future research. It is a way to gather specimens or health information from a group of individuals with something in common (for example - HIV+, have anal cancer, pneumonia, taking a certain medication).
HIV Elite Controllers - PI: John Fangman, MD - The International HIV Controllers Study is a collaborative effort among scientists, healthcare professionals and the community to study HIV infected people who have been able to maintain low viral loads without the use of medications. This study brings together HIV researchers from around the world and promotes increased dialogue and collaboration about this remarkable group of individuals who may hold the key to new approaches to therapy and vaccines.