The biobank at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) has become the first biobank in Norway to be accredited under the international ISO 20387 Biotechnology – Biobanking – General requirements for biobanking standard. This standard sets strict requirements for quality and competence in the handling of biological materials for research, ensuring high reliability and traceability in the biobank’s operations.

– This is a significant milestone for us and for the biobanking field in Norway, says Maria Aamelfot, department director. The accreditation confirms that we adhere to international best practices for quality assurance of biological materials, strengthening both research and trust in the biobank.

The accreditation process was led by Haben Tesfu, Quality Manager, who emphasizes that this achievement is the result of dedicated efforts and strong team effort. - This accreditation serves as clear recognition of our commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards and fostering continuous improvement. It reflects our dedication to ensuring a solid foundation for research and innovation.

The ISO 20387 standard is designed for biobanks worldwide and includes requirements for management systems, sample handling, and data protection. The NIPH biobank plays a key role in public health and disease research, and this accreditation will help strengthen collaboration both nationally and internationally.

The biobank manages consent-based collections of biological materials, including samples from major health studies such as MoBa (the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study). The accreditation serves as an important quality mark, emphasizing the significance of systematic efforts in quality and security.