How to design and use a research database

The vast majority of histopathology research projects based on a series of tissue samples will require a database to store and organize the data. Most of these databases will be relatively simple standalone databases that can be created in a spreadsheet application. However, there are still some important considerations in the design of the database and coding of the data that will make its subsequent use much more time efficient. This article reviews the scope of databases for common histopathology research projects, the ethical and legal considerations, design of the database structure, coding of data items, and import and export of data from databases.