This July, we updated you on recent outputs from BBMRI-ERIC, including from the IT Common Service and Quality Common Service. In this blog post we find out more about BBMRI-ERIC’s work on quality and how you can get involved.
What is BBMRI-ERIC?
BBMRI-ERIC stands for ‘Biobanking and BioMolecular resources Research Infrastructure – European Research Infrastructure Consortium’. It is a European wide organisation which aims to establish, operate, and develop a pan-European research infrastructure of biobanks and biomolecular resources. It is therefore one of the largest health research infrastructures in Europe and consists of members from 16 member states and one organisation. The UKCRC TDCC is the UK’s node within BBRMI-ERIC, as such we can also be referred to as BBMRI.uk. This membership means that we are part of this larger European effort and the services developed are available to UK Biobanks.
What is the Quality Management service?
This is one of the services that BBMRI-ERIC offers Biobanks, it provides tools and expertise, as well as knowledge and experience sharing on quality management for biobanks and biomolecular resources. The Quality Common Service team have developed a self-assessment tool to enable you to assess your collections against CEN standards. You can find out more about the service on their webpage or in the 6th issue of Biobanks Europe magazine.
What else can the Quality Management service offer my Biobank?
The service is currently busy developing a QMS audit programme for Biobanks. This will be an optional service for biobanks who would like help in improving their systems. The programme will be tailor made to suit the needs of the biobank, and so will be of no set size, duration or composition. It will include an audit but also optional training or advice to help your Biobank develop.
How can I get involved?
The working group are looking for national node nominations of people who have the following experience:
Auditor compentency:
- External Auditor Certificate
- Internal Auditor Certificate
- Internal Auditor Experience (no certificate)
- Auditor EU Certified/Registered (ISO 17024 based)
Domain experts:
- ISO 9001:2015
- ISO 15189 Medical lab, Q and competence
- ISO 15190 Medical lab, safety
- ISO 17025 Testing and Calibration lab
- ISO 17043 Proficiency Testing
- ISO 19011 Audit Guideline
- CEN/TS
- And any others not listed
If you have experience in any of these areas and are willing to contribute to a QM audit please contact Emma Lawrence outlining the experience you have.