BMS Biobank receives the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label

This article is 411  words and a two-minute read. 

Following a recent successful audit, the BMS Biobank at Pisa University Hospital (AOUP) has been awarded the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label. This builds on their 2022 ISO 20387 accreditation. Established in 2016, the biobank centralises and supports biobanking activities across the hospital, combining clinical care and research. It is part of regional and national networks and provides high-quality biological samples and data to support both research and precision medicine. 

Dr. Simone Lapi, Director of the Biobank Unit at Pisa University Hospital explained that after achieving ISO 20387 accreditation, the team decided to pursue the BBMRI Quality Label as a natural next step in their commitment to excellence and continuous improvement:  

“Quality is not a destination – it’s a journey, and for our Biobank, the BBMRI Quality Label represents an additional milestone in that journey. Through BBMRI’s fast-track option for accredited biobanks, we were able to obtain the Quality Label. The BBMRI Quality Label provides an opportunity to show that we align our practices with European best ones and demonstrate our dedication to the highest levels of quality, transparency, and traceability in biobanking.”   

Receiving the Quality Label reflects the biobank team’s commitment to maintaining robust internal practices and continuous improvement, as stated by Dr. Lapi: 

“Working according to ISO 20387 has helped us streamline sample handling, improve data management, and establish clearer protocols for collaboration with researchers. This has resulted in more efficient day-to-day operations and increased confidence among our partners in the reliability and reproducibility of our samples.” 

For the BMS Biobank, the BBMRI Quality Label represents more than a formal recognition: it is a tangible affirmation of the professionalism, dedication and collaborative spirit of the team and a clear signal to partners and researchers that they can trust the quality and reliability of the biobank. One team member noted:  

“Going for accreditation challenged us to refine our practices, making us more confident in the quality and reliability of the samples and data we provide.” 

 Another added:  

“It’s not just about accreditation  – it’s about fostering a culture where quality is embedded in every aspect of our work.” 

Commenting on this achievement, Andrea Wutte, MSc, Head of BBMRI-ERIC Quality Management at BBMRI-ERIC explained: 

“We are very pleased that the BMS Biobank chose to complement their ISO 20387 accreditation with the BBMRI Quality Label. It’s great to see the recognition of the added value of the label. We hope this encourages other biobanks – also those not yet accredited - to consider pursuing the Quality Label through our BBMRI-ERIC audit programme.”