In 2023, within the framework of Health-RI Theme Biobanks & Collections, a team of biobankers initiated the development of a novel Dutch biobanking standard: a harmonized, evidence-based protocol for the collection and processing of human biomaterials. This standard will comprise standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all relevant biological material handling prior to laboratory analysis.
This team aims to build an evidence-based, fit-for-purpose standard for collection, processing, and storage of human biomaterials for research and innovation in the Netherlands. To this end, they will draft SOPs based on literature review, and subsequently - in a so-called Delphi round - ask experts in the field to provide input.
In 2024 the team started on the development of a SOP for DNA and cell free DNA, which according to plan, will be completed in the course of 2025. The team will subsequently start development of SOPs for body fluids (serum/plasma, urine, feces, etc.) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
The executive team consists of dr. Hilde Brouwers (Erasmus MC- project lead), prof. dr. Dorine Swinkels (Radboudumc – provides expertise and key network in pre-analytic quality), and dr. Jörg Hamann (Amsterdam UMC – monitors progress and supports on content).
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