Epidemiological samplings for long-term HBM-studies during a pandemic situation – Experiences and lessons-learned, the German Environmental Specimen Bank during the COVID-19 pandemic

For the investigation of diseases and other harmful environmental influences (e.g., chemicals) epidemiological studies rely on high quality human samples, among others. Collecting samples and data in the field can pose an enormous challenge to the study team with regard to health protection and occupational safety, especially in the context of a pandemic where there was great uncertainty about the biological risks associated with SARS-CoV-2. The German Environmental Specimen Bank (German ESB) is a key element of environmental and human biomonitoring in Germany with the aim to document and assess trends of human and environmental exposure to chemicals over time and to provide scientific data for policy decision makers. Starting with a pilot study in 1978 human samples are now collected at four sampling locations annually, while sampling is carried out with a highly standardized mobile laboratory since 2013. Due to the corona pandemic 3 of 4 ESB sampling campaigns had to be cancelled in 2020. However, a continuous sampling is crucial to generate current policy relevant data on chemical exposure. Hence, a protection and hygiene concept has been developed including COVID-19 testing with the goal to protect the health of participants and employees during sampling and to meet legal requirements, while sustaining the standardized procedures of sampling and sample preparation. The concept is based on a flexible approach to allow adjustments to changing government regulations and recommendations in the course of the pandemic. By implementing this concept, all samplings were successfully carried out in 2021 & 2022, with the pandemic still ongoing. This paper provides an example of good practice and valuable insights in how to collect human samples during a pandemic.