Biobank Väst In Sweden Achieves Quality Label

Biobank Väst at Sahlgrenska University Hospital (Gothenburg, Sweden) has become the first Nordic biobank within BBMRI-ERIC’s network to receive a Quality Label according to ISO 20387:2018.

Linda Paulson, Head of Unit at Biobank Väst said:

“The Quality Label is proof that we meet the requirements of the standard and also the laws and regulations that govern biobanking.”

Biobank Väst monitors samples from the time the researcher sends them to the biobank until the samples are handed over for further analysis. The Quality Label distinction assures Biobank Väst’s staff and customers that the samples are processed using standardised and quality-assured procedures. For sample providers, it is a reassurance that samples and associated data are handled in accordance with existing laws governing biobanking.

Karina Lövstedt, Quality Manager at Biobank Väst explained more: “Quality-assured procedures for receipt, handling, storage, and retrieval increase the likelihood of obtaining high sample quality, thus increasing the research value of collected samples.

“This benefits clinical research which uses biobank samples. It also increases the opportunities for our customers and ourselves to participate in international collaborations with expectations of standardised quality assurance.”

Auditing for a quality label

The audit was conducted over a two-day period at Biobank Väst by Andrea Wutte, Head of Quality Management, and Maike Tauchert, Quality Manager, on behalf of BBMRI-ERIC.

Before and during the audit, the BBMRI-ERIC team reviewed the unit’s quality documents and provided an assessment based on compliance with the biobank standard requirements. The final report stated that:

“We are impressed by the structure and scope of the Quality Management System and congratulate the biobank management, the quality manager, and the entire team for this achievement. With this system, the tasks, processes, and procedures can be effectively and sustainably ensured, and they form the basis for any expansion and improvement of Biobank Väst.”

The Quality Label is now visible in the BBMRI-ERIC Directory.

Andrea Wutte explained the wider significance of such a meticulous building of a comprehensive quality management system:

“In the sense of research for the benefit of society, this professional work will be one of the most important pillars of the sustainable development of the Biobank.”

Vital BBMRI-ERIC support

Kristina Lind, Laboratory and IT Team Manager at Biobank Väst highlighted how the regular dialogue Biobank Väst had with BBMRI-ERIC auditors during the assessment has been very valuable: “They have given us concrete tips on how we can improve our internal processes and the service we provide to our customers. The good cooperation has also led us to plan to apply for the Quality Label for our DNA extraction and liquid handling services in the coming year.”

Linda Paulson, Head of Unit at Biobank Väst, emphasised that: “We are very proud of the designation from BBMRI-ERIC. It is a recognition for the outstanding and professional work that my colleagues at Biobank Väst do every day.

“I would like to extend a special thanks to our Quality Manager Karina Lövstedt who has worked hard to ensure that we would meet the requirements for the Quality Label.”

Biobank Väst as a Nordic country role model

As the primary biobank for Region Västra Götaland, Biobank Väst works closely with the University of Gothenburg. Biobank Väst is also part of the national biobank infrastructure Biobank Sweden, Sweden’s node in the European BBMRI-ERIC network. Within this network, Biobank Väst is responsible for performing quality management according to ISO 20387:2018.

Underlining the importance of this role, Karina Lövstedt remarked: “The national work we do together in the quality management project within Biobank Sweden has contributed to Biobank Väst achieving its Quality Label.

“The project creates awareness of how important it is to have quality management issues high on the agenda in our units and serves as a support to biobanks that are working towards the goal of complying with the standard.

“Several biobanks in Sweden are close to being able to take the first step in the process of receiving the Quality Label. We hope that our award will encourage more biobanks to do the same.”

Click here for more information about BBMRI-ERIC Quality Management Services.