The Region Skåne Biobank achieves the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label

This article is 388  words and a 2-minute read.

The Region Skåne Biobank has achieved the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label. In recent years, the Central Biobank Unit, Biobank Department 47 (BD47), has worked consistently to meet the requirements of the SS EN 20387:2018 standard. Over several years, the biobank has focused on developing and refining its procedures, while accelerating its work with internal audits and risk assessments.  

It is also involved in a well-established national collaboration among Swedish biobanks, conducting cross-audits between organisations. In the autumn of 2024, the biobank decided to complete the BBMRI-ERIC Self-Assessment Survey. Following this assessment, it was encouraged to proceed with an application for a Quality Label. 

As Birgitta Almgren, Quality Manager at Region Skåne Biobank, explains: 

“Having our operations reviewed by an external organisation has been of great value. The support provided by BBMRI‑ERIC has not only enabled us to meet the requirements of the standard, but it has also strengthened our biobank facility and clearly demonstrated to all our employees that we are delivering high-quality work.” 

Commenting the achievement, Johanna Ekström, Head of the Biobank Unit at Region Skåne Biobank, says:  

“I am very proud of the commitment shown by all employees who have contributed to building a quality management system for the biobank. Thereby, we can provide assurance of our capability to securely store valuable samples. Through this systematic effort, we have achieved the distinction of becoming the second biobank in Sweden to receive a Quality Label.”   

Malin Ivarsson, Deputy Head of Operations at Region Skåne Biobank, adds: 

“Over several years, we have worked in a focused manner to fully comply with the biobank standard and I am very pleased that we have now, thanks to our dedicated quality manager, Birgitta Almgren, and our other committed staff, obtained the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label. This represents a major and important step in the continued development of our quality management system.” 

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

“This achievement highlights the strong organisational commitment behind Region Skåne Biobank, where quality is clearly supported by both leadership and staff. Such collective engagement is essential for establishing a robust and effective quality management system.” 

By receiving the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label, the Region Skåne 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.