A Biobank's Journey: Implementation of a Quality Management System and Accreditation to ISO 20387

Biobanks play an integral role in research and precision medicine by acquiring, processing, storing, and distributing high-quality, clinically annotated biological material. Compliance with biobanking standards and the implementation of quality management systems (QMS) can improve the quality of the biological material and associated data (BMaD). By undergoing third-party assessments, biobanks can demonstrate compliance to these standards and instill confidence in their users. In the 8 months following the publication of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 20387:2018 General Requirements for Biobanking standard, the Cornell Veterinary Biobank (CVB) became compliant with the standard requirements, including developing and implementing a QMS. This was achieved through the documentation of all biobanking processes, demonstration of personnel competence, the stringent control of documents and records, and ongoing evaluation of processes and the QMS. Procedures describing the control of documents and records were implemented first to provide a foundation on which to build the QMS, followed by procedures for documenting the identification of risks and opportunities, improvements, and corrective actions following nonconforming outputs. Internal audit and management review programs were developed to verify QMS performance and to monitor quality objectives. Procedures for the governance and management of the biobank were developed, including the following: organizational structure; confidentiality and impartiality policies; facility and equipment maintenance, calibration, and monitoring; personnel training and competency; and evaluation of external providers. All processes on scope were described, along with the validation and verification of methods, to ensure the fitness-for-purpose of the BMaD and the reproducibility of biobanking processes. Training sessions were held during implementation of the QMS to ensure all personnel would conform to the procedures. In April 2019, the CVB underwent third-party assessment by the American Association of Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) and became the first biobank in the world to receive accreditation to ISO 20387:2018.