Aim:

To analyze the bioethical and bio juridical framework regarding biobanks in the Pathology Departments.

Methods:

Descriptive bibliographical revision of relevant information regarding bioethics and bio law with focus on the pathological anatomy services. Local laws, international laws and normative linked to biobanks and data bases were taken into consideration. Text books from the Universidad de Costa Rica`s Library, Documentation and Information System were consulted and also digital platforms as Academic Google and PubMed.

Results:

A new tool of scientific interest has emerged internationally with the medical advancement in the development of new therapeutic and diagnostic techniques: the establishment of tissue biobanks to preserve biological samples for molecular studies and research. This brought with it a number of questions relevant to bioethics and biolaw related to human rights and the respect for human dignity. In order to establish a biobank in a pathological anatomy department, it is essential to know, how to manage and implement the national and international regulations related to informed consent and the protection of data linked to biological samples.

Conclusions:

National and international guidelines for using biological samples stored in pathology departments for research purposes must be followed. They must regulate the management, use and storage of samples. Also, the informed consent and the protection and confidentiality of the data regarding the incumbent people in biomedical research must be take into consideration. In Costa Rica, the ethical and juridical framework related to the biomedical research establishes the parameters of biospecimens in clinical rehearsals but there is not a national legislation regarding biobanks. Because of that, is that is recommended a regulation that must include all the requirements for a biobank either in the public and private spectrum; such as a national law and formal regulation.