Biobank facilities
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The Department of Biobanks (the Biobank) at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health was established as a research biobank in 1999 and is now a modern and efficient biobank. The Biobank offers handling and storage of human biological samples for clients in need of secure, effective, and customised solutions.
The Biobank offers a range of services within biobanking, whether you need freezer space or additional planning and collection. We can create customised solutions and develop agreements tailored to your needs.
The Biobank has a well-established and professional system for receiving and processing biological material, with good quality routines and protocols. This ensures security and traceability for all samples stored in the Biobank.
Practical planning
We can provide early consultation and guidance in the planning phase.
- Consultation on practical planning and study design, including protocols for sample collection and handling.
- Guidance on research activities related to the collection, storage, analysis, and use of biological material, such as appropriate material types, sampling equipment, and storage media.
Distribution of sampling equipment
We offer the following services for distributing sampling equipment:
- Sending sampling equipment, blood collection tubes, and information directly to participants.
- Dispatching sampling equipment and blood collection tubes to laboratories or collaborating partners.
Receiving, registration and processing
- Receiving Biological Material: We receive biological material directly from participants or through laboratories/collaborators.
- Registration in custom IT Solutions: We use tailored IT systems for identity control, de-identification, and barcode labelling, ensuring traceability throughout all processes.
- Sample Processing: Our services include DNA extraction, cryopreservation of PBMCs, fixation of whole blood, and standardised aliquoting of various material types.
Storage
With a storage capacity of up to 2000 m², the Biobank offers storage options tailored to various needs. We store samples at -20 ºC, -80 ºC, and -150 ºC. We offer the following services:
- Received samples are distributed into suitable tubes with unique barcodes for full traceability.
- Material freezing occurs within specified time frames.
- Continuous temperature monitoring with connected alarms ensures safety.
- Storage security involves at least two separate freezers.
- Backup solutions address power and freezer emergencies, including rapid response to alarms.
Retrieval of the biological material
Individual projects stored at the department are responsible for granting retrieval access to the biological material. Requests for access to biological material should be directed to the project leader.
For more information on the retrieval process at the Biobank, please visit our dedicated page:
If you wish to apply for access of the biological material from the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), follow the link below:
Quality Assurance
The Biobank has a well-established and professional system for receiving and handling biological material, with robust quality routines and protocols. This ensures security and traceability for all samples stored in the Biobank. The quality system includes:
- Quality Management: Involves risk analysis and internal audits, established documented procedures for material processing, deviation handling, equipment maintenance, management of external services, and staff training.
- Procedure Validation or Verification: Ensures the reliability and accuracy of procedures.
- Quality Controls and Internal Studies: Regular controls to maintain high standards.
The Biobank achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification in 2014, until May 2020. In 2020 we discontinued this certification in order to work towards the ISO 20387 accreditation, which is specific for biobanks. All equipment is regularly maintained for optimal performance.
We also have a continuous quality control program of long-term stored urine and plasma, as well as DNA and RNA collected in MoBa.
- Biospecimen quality program in the biobank of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health - Paltiel et al (pdf)
- Quality policy (pdf)
