Biobank Network Certification
What is the Biobank Network Certification?
There is a spectrum of biobank networks. Biobank networks can range from a group of biobanks that function relatively autonomously to a group of biobanks that function as a single unit.
We have defined two general types of networks:
Collaborative network: a group of biobanks focused on a particular area of study, such as specific disease, with an informal central coordinating office and some shared resource/activities such as:
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Shared Data elements
- Typically, limited sharing of finances
In a collaborative network the central coordinating office is not formalized and has an oversight/coordination role.
Consortia network: a group of biobanks focused on a particular area of study, such as specific disease, with a formal central coordinating office and sharing of multiple resources such as:
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Governance
- Single mechanism to request access to biospecimens and data from network
- Material Transfer Agreement(MTA)/ Data Transfer Agreement(DTA)
- Ethics certificate/review
- Database and Common used data elements
- Typically, supported by centralization of finances and functions
In the consortia network the central coordinating office is formalized and conducts such activities as responding to requests to network access requests, setting network strategy, and distribution of funds to member biobanks.
What are the benefits?
All the biobanks in the network will have access to biobank certification and the associated education program, SOPs, tools and biobanking templates that are useful to biobanks and biospecimen research projects. In addition, all biobanks will get a 30% discount on the certification fee.
How does it work?
The biobank leader will act as the communications point person to the Biobank Resource Centre. They will
- Complete the biobank registration form. The certification office will contact the biobank leader and determine the type of biobank network.
- Complete the certification form and pay the network fee.
- Invite the biobank's team/staff members to complete assigned education modules.
- Track completion of the education modules by the biobank's team
- Prepare and submit documents for auditing.
- Aid biobank team/staff in and accessing tools and templates.
For more information about how to sign up for the Biobank Network Certification please email brcinfo@phsa.ca