The HCB-IDIBAPS Biobank has obtained ISO 20387 accreditation, an international standard specifically designed for biobanks that certifies their technical competence, impartiality and the quality of biological sample management processes and associated data for research purposes. With this achievement, it becomes the fourth biobank in Spain to receive this accreditation and one of the few biobanks in Europe to include a Neurological Tissue Bank.
Building on this achievement, the HCB-IDIBAPS Biobank has also applied for the BBMRI-ERIC audited Quality Label through the fast-track procedure, further reinforcing its commitment to excellence, transparency and harmonisation within the European biobanking community.
This accelerated procedure is available to biobanks already accredited according to ISO 20387, as they have demonstrated their competence in the field of biobanking. By presenting their accreditation certificate, these biobanks can apply for formal recognition through the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label, speeding up the process while ensuring that they meet the high standards of the Label.
Dr. Teresa Botta, Head of HCB-IDIBAPS Biobank, explains:
“Achieving ISO 20387 accreditation represents an important milestone for the HCB-IDIBAPS Biobank and reflects the collective commitment of our entire team to quality, competence, and continuous improvement. We are particularly proud that the accreditation encompasses our wide range of biological sample and associated data collections, including one of the first Neurological Tissue Banks accredited under ISO 20387.
“Applying for the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label is a natural next step, building on this achievement and reinforcing our commitment to excellence, transparency and harmonisation within the European biobanking community. We are grateful for the support of the BBMRI community and look forward to continuing to share experiences and best practices across the international biobanking landscape.”
Andrea Wutte, Head of Quality Management at BBMRI-ERIC, says:
“The decision of an already ISO 20387-accredited biobank to seek the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label is a strong signal of the value of our biobanking community. Beyond the formal recognition of competence, the Label reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, mutual trust and continuous advancement of biobanking across Europe. We are particularly pleased to see the HCB-IDIBAPS Biobank contributing to this vision.”
