International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) Launches New Biobank Assessment Tool


“ISBER Best Practices are a key tool to increase the quality of modern biobanking. By using [the Biobank Assessment Tool], biobankers can identify gaps that need to be addressed while implementing ISBER Best Practices.”

The International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) announces the release of the updated ISBER Biobank Assessment Tool (BAT), available at https://www.isber.org/page/BAT.

Previously known as the ISBER Self-Assessment Tool, the new BAT provides biobanks the ability to improve their practice by assessing their procedures compared to the ISBER Best Practices. Upon completion, the biobank will receive an individual report to learn where they align with Best Practices and where they have opportunities for improvement. This tool is ideal for biobanks who want to analyse how successfully they have implemented the ISBER Best Practices.

“ISBER’s goal to bring standards of practice to biobanks around the world has been advanced through the Biobank Assessment Tool. Our recent rebuild of the tool brings in the current ISBER Best Practices, reinforcing our commitment to enabling biobanks to undergo continual improvement, growth, and effective facilitation of research. I am delighted to say that the BAT tool is available to all ISBER members and encourage its use in biobanking facilities” said Ms. Clare Allocca, President of the Board, ISBER.

“More biobanks are now working towards implementing a quality management system, for example the ISO 20387—BAT is helpful as a tool to follow up on key indicators since it can be used repeatedly,” said Ms. Karolin Bergenstråhle, who led the development of the tool.

The BAT will meet the needs of biobankers. “ISBER Best Practices are a key tool to increase the quality of modern biobanking,” said Ms. Mieke De Wilde, Chair of ISBER’s Standards Advisory Committee. “By using BAT, biobankers can identify gaps that need to be addressed while implementing ISBER Best Practices”.

The assessment is confidential and aimed at helping biobanks and biobankers strengthen their practices through the identification of areas in need of improvement. The updated tool will be live and available October 3, 2022.

About the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories

ISBER’s (http://www.isber.org) vision is to be the leading network in the global biobanking and biorepository community ISBER advances the expertise and quality of biorepositories and biobanking science worldwide.

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