2008
ISBER Best Practices For Repositories
Collection, Storage, Retrieval and Distribution of Biological Materials for Research

Published in Cell Preservation Technology (CPT), March 2008 issue. 

The availability of high quality biological and environmental specimens for research purposes requires the development of standardized methods for collection, long-term storage, retrieval and distribution of specimens that will enable their future use. Sharing successful strategies for accomplishing this goal is one of the driving forces for the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER).

ISBER’s Best Practices for Repositories (Best Practices) reflect the collective experience of its members and provide repository professionals with a comprehensive tool to guide them in all their repository activities. The Practices presented here reflect input from individuals within and outside ad hoc committees. The ISBER Best Practices are reviewed bi-annually and are revised to reflect advances in research and technology.

Adherence to ISBER Best Practices is strictly on a voluntary basis. It is important to note that some aspects of specimen management are governed by national, regional and local regulations. The reader should refer directly to regulations for their national, regional and local requirements, as appropriate.

Throughout this document effective practices are presented for the management of specimen collections and repositories. In cases wherein a level of operation is indicated that is above the basic recommended practice or more specifically designates the most effective practice, a designation of “Best Practice” is indicated.

The focus of the second edition of the ISBER Best Practices has been expanded to include best practices for environmental specimen collections in addition to human specimen collections and to more effectively represent international best practices. ISBER has strived to include terminology appropriate to the various specimen types covered under these practices, but the reader should take steps to ensure the appropriateness of the recommendations to their particular repository type prior to the implementation of any new approaches.

>>2008 Best Practices for Repositories – Korean Translation
Korean version of 2008 Best Practices for Repositories, translated courtesy of Professor Yeonhee Lee, Director of the KNRRC

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