The BioCor Biobank achieves the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label

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The BioCor Biobank has achieved the BBMRI‑ERIC Quality Label. BioCor Biobank is a service unit supporting scientific research and is officially recognised by the IRCCS Policlinico San Donato. BioCor was established in 2019 and, after the approval by the Ethics Committee, it was officially established for the collection and conservation of human biological material to support research in the biomedical field with a focus on cardiovascular diseases in adults and minors.  

The path to the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label  

Since its foundation, BioCor has implemented a robust Quality Management System fully aligned with the requirements of ISO 20387 for biobanking. After completing its infrastructure, documentation and operational workflows, the biobank achieved a major milestone in 2024, obtaining ISO 9001 certification for its activities, an important recognition of the maturity and reliability of its quality system. 

Building on this achievement, BioCor strengthened its technical capabilities to meet the expectations of both ISO 20387 and the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label. This included the introduction of systematic quality controls across all biological sample types, ensuring integrity, stability and fitness for purpose. 

All these efforts have been essential in preparing BioCor for the BBMRI‑ERIC Quality Label, reaffirming the biobank commitment to high‑quality, traceable and trustworthy biobanking within the European research community. 

Commenting the achievement, the Biobank Manager, Rosanna Cardani, says: 

“We are truly delighted and proud to have achieved the Quality Label, an important recognition that confirms the work carried out so far to implement and strengthen the BioCorquality management system has been conducted with rigor, consistency and a strong commitment to excellence. 

“This milestone is the result of a collective effort. It reflects the dedication, expertise and perseverance of the entire team. Without coordinated teamwork, this achievement would not have been possible. I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together. At the same time, we see this not as a final destination, but as a meaningful step forward, allowing us to move with determination toward our next goal: achieving ISO 20387 accreditation.” 

BioCor Quality Manager, Valentina Renna, adds:  

“Obtaining the BBMRI ERIC Quality Label represents an important milestone for both me and the entire BioCor team. This recognition validates the strength and maturity of our Quality Management System, reflecting the dedication and rigor we have invested over the years. 

“At the same time, this achievement is not an endpoint, as it marks an important starting point on our path toward ISO 20387 accreditation. We will continue to improve our processes to ensure that BioCor remains a reliable and high-standard biobank serving the scientific community.” 

Andrea Wutte, Head of Quality Management at BBMRI-ERIC, highlights: 

“BioCor’s achievement highlights a well-structured and consistent development of its quality management system over time. The combination of ISO 9001 certification and alignment with ISO 20387 demonstrates a clear commitment to building a reliable and future-oriented biobank.”  

By receiving the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label, the BioCor Biobank becomes part of a growing number of biobanks across Europe that maintain high standards in biobanking and quality management, reinforcing trust in biological resources used for research.