Frequently asked questions

1. What is Biobank?

A biobank is a unit that systematically manages, within a quality management system, all or part of the processes related to the acquisition, collection, preparation, preservation, testing, analysis, storage, and distribution of biological material and associated data and information, as defined in the TS EN ISO 20387:2018 “Biotechnology -Biobanking-General requirements for biobanking” standard, in compliance with ethical, legal, biosafety, and biological safety requirements

A biobank shall have procedures for the biobanking of each type of biological material and the associated data it holds. These procedures include, but are not limited to, collection/procurement and/or acquisition and acceptance, labeling, inventory/recording, cataloging/classification, examination, preparation, preservation, storage, data management, disposal, packaging, security, distribution, and transportation. A biobank shall have procedures to ensure compliance with applicable biosafety and biological safety requirements. These procedures shall also address risks and opportunities through the use of a risk assessment.

2. What is the purpose of establishing a research biobank? 

A research biobank, in accordance with TS EN ISO 20387:2018, is an organization that manages the acquisition, collection, preparation, preservation, analysis, storage, and access for researchers of biological materials and associated data and information defined for the purpose of supporting scientific research. A research biobank manages biological samples not for direct clinical decision-making, but for use in current and future research. These processes are conducted in compliance with ethical and legal requirements, a quality management system, biosafety and biological safety principles, and follow a risk-based and traceable approach. 

3. What is biological material?

Biological material is any substance or part derived or obtained from a human, animal, plant, microorganisms, or a multicellular organism that is not an animal or plant (e.g. brown algae, fungi) 

4. How can I access biological materials stored in a biobank?

Access to biological materials in biobanks is granted within the framework of ethical and legal approvals and in compliance with quality standards. Researchers must obtain approval from an ethics committee to use materials collected with donor consent, submit a detailed research protocol, and formally apply to the biobank. Quality standards such as TS EN ISO 20387:2018 ensure traceability, proper storage conditions, and quality control of the materials. Access is typically regulated through a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA), which defines the terms of use, and all usage is recorded. This process ensures both the security of the materials and the reliability of the research.

5. How is the personal information of biological material donors protected?

Participants’ personal information is protected in accordance with privacy and data protection standards. Materials and associated data are usually stored in an anonymized or coded form, meaning that researchers cannot directly access identifying information. Biobank standards such as TS EN ISO 20387:2018, along with data protection laws, define the security, storage conditions, and usage limitations of personal data. Furthermore, biobanks restrict data access only to cases approved by an ethics committee and under a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA), thereby ensuring the continuous protection of donor confidentiality.

6. Who can access my data?

Access is strictly limited to authorized individuals with a defined purpose. This includes biobank personnel who require access for their duties, researchers or institutions working with coded or anonymized data under ethics approval and contractual agreements, as well as legal and regulatory authorities and accreditation/inspection bodies. Additionally, third-party service providers may access data only under contractual safeguards, and data subjects may exercise rights granted under national legislation. All access is controlled according to principles of confidentiality, purpose limitation, role-based authorization, and traceability. 

7. Can data be shared with researchers abroad?

Participant data may be shared with researchers abroad, but such sharing is subject to strict conditions. The sharing must have a clearly defined research purpose, be supported by the necessary ethics committee approvals and agreements, and preferably involve anonymized or coded data. Additionally, the sharing must comply with relevant national and international legislation, such as data protection laws. The biobank is responsible for ensuring the security and confidentiality of the data and that it is used solely for the approved purpose.

8. I have decided to withdraw a biological sample I previously gave broad consent for. What procedure do you follow in this case?

When broad consent is withdrawn, the biobank records the participant’s request. From the date of withdrawal, the relevant biological sample and associated data are no longer used or shared in new research. Depending on the scope of the request and applicable regulations, biological samples may be destroyed or permanently anonymized. Withdrawal does not retroactively affect data already used in completed and published studies, but ongoing sharing is halted. The entire process is conducted in accordance with principles of transparency, traceability, and compliance with data protection laws, and the outcome of the request is communicated to the participant.

9. How can we collaborate with the biobank?

Researchers and institutions wishing to access IBG-Biobank services or request collaboration for a project can submit their applications through the SERVICE / COLLABORATION REQUEST FORM. For further information, please contact the biobank directly at . 

10. How are biobanking services priced?

During the application process, IBG-Biobank calculates the cost for each project individually, based on the requested service model. For more information regarding pricing, please contact the biobank directly at  

11. Do you support the transfer of biological samples?

Support for the national and international transfer of biological samples is provided according to agreements with collaborating institutions or organizations. This support includes verifying ethics and legal approvals prior to transfer, preparing a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA), ensuring proper packaging, labeling, and traceability of samples, and planning logistics in compliance with cold chain and biosafety requirements.