DAkkS first to offer accreditation of biobanks throughout the EU
From January 2022, Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle (DAkkS) will actively process accreditations for which an application has already been made in accordance with DIN EN ISO 20387. Biobanks that have already applied for accreditation will be contacted in this regard by their DAkkS case manager.
Since September 2019, DAkkS has been accepting applications for accreditation in accordance with ISO 20387. However, the publication of the standard as a harmonised version in the Official Journal of the European Union has so far been a long time coming. With the publication of the standard as DIN EN ISO 20387, DAkkS will now start processing the applications received to date at the beginning of 2022. DAkkS therefore becomes the first national accreditation body within the European Union to offer accreditation for biobanks in accordance with DIN EN ISO 20387.
For the applications already submitted, DAkkS will schedule the first on-site assessments – where possible given the pandemic – for as early as the first half of 2022. Biobanks that have not yet submitted an application for accreditation can arrange an initial meeting from January 2022 to establish contact and obtain information on the application process.
Background
Biobanks collect, process and store biological materials, such as blood, tissue and body material, as well as the data associated with them. These materials and associated data are analysed by researchers to address specific issues. The results of these analyses help, among other things, to improve detection of diseases, develop targeted new therapies and to establish diagnostic principles.
To achieve reliable and reproducible scientific results, the quality of these biosamples or data is of the utmost importance. Accreditation in accordance with DIN EN ISO 20387:2020 strengthens confidence in the stored samples and their data and assures biobank users and stakeholders that crucial requirements are met consistently.