Given the growing role of biobanks within the life science industry, ISO has released a standard, ISO 20387:2018, designed specifically for biobanks. ISO 20387:2018 covers requirements for all aspects of managing biobanks, including structural, personnel, facilities, processes, and equipment. This standard also covers quality management systems requirements and best practices for sample handling, including collection, preservation, transport, distribution, and traceability of biological materials.

Biobanks are expected to maintain high standards of sample collection, preservation, quality assurance, traceability, and distribution. ISO 20387 accreditation serves as a clear indicator to stakeholders, such as donors, users, and investors, regarding the biobank’s reliability and competencies. Consequently, stakeholders have more trust in the biobank’s capacity to deliver consistent results and meet critical requirements. However, complying with the requirements of the standard could be challenging for biobanks. An informatics tool, such as a Biospecimen Management Software, can help biobanks meet the various requirements of ISO 20387 seamlessly and breeze through regulatory audits.