The Augsburg Central BioBank (ACBB) achieves the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label

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The Augsburg Central BioBank (ACBB) is a central facility of the University Hospital Augsburg and the Medical Faculty of the University of Augsburg, combining both liquid and tissue biobanking under one roof. 

In 2019, when the hospital was designated a University Hospital, the biobank began collecting tissue samples for the first time. In 2020, the facility successfully launched its liquid biobanking operations, navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The path to the Quality Label     

Already in 2021, the ACBB was accepted as a partner of the German Biobank Network (GBN). Since then, the regular audits conducted by GBN have supported the ongoing development of the ACBB’s quality management system in accordance with DIN EN ISO 20387. The training of a GBN-certified auditor within the ACBB has also made a significant contribution to continuous improvement, ultimately culminating in the award of the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label. 

Commenting the achievement, the Biobank Director, Prof. Dr. Bruno Märkl, shares:  

“As the director of the ACBB, I am delighted that we have received the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label. What better way to reflect the immense dedication of ourenthusiastic biobanking team under the leadership of Dr. Angela Langer than through this international recognition? When we began active operations just over five years ago, I never would have imagined that we could achieve this level so quickly. I am very proud!” 

Dr. Angela Langer, Biobank Manager at ACBB, adds:  

“The efforts to obtain the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label were strongly supported by the outstanding assistance of GBN and their earlier audits. These helped our progress by providing an external review of our processes and by further refining our workflows.  

“I am particularly proud of our team’s motivation and commitment, which have led to high-quality biobanking at our site despite the challenges we have faced. The gain of the Quality Label is a great honour for us and gives us the confidence that we are on the right track toward accreditation according to DIN EN ISO 20387.” 

Dr. Maike Tauchert, Deputy Head of Quality Management at BBMRI-ERIC, highlights:    

“The development of the ACBB to this stage in such a short time demonstrates how structured audit programmes and the strong collaboration within the German Biobank Network can support biobanks in continuously strengthening their quality management systems. Achieving the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label therefore represents an important milestone in ACBB’s ongoing quality journey.” 

By receiving the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label, the Augsburg Central BioBank joins a growing number of biobanks across Europe that uphold high standards in biobanking and quality management, reinforcing trust in biological resources used for research.