As a contribution towards a more strategic national approach to biobanking, and building on the work undertaken in the Design Phase of GeneLibrary Ireland (funded by HRB and the R&D Office), MMI has developed guidelines to standardise the collection, processing and storage of biological materials donated for use in research. The aim of the Guidelines is to ensure sample quality, consistency and integrity of bio-collections at different clinical and research centres in Ireland. The use of standardised protocols for sample collection, processing and storage will help to ensure consistency and harmonisation across the different sites. These Guidelines have been drafted with reference to international best practice in biobanking.

The Guidelines have been approved by the Board of MMI. Prior to issuing them in final format, MMI would welcome the input of the stakeholders in health research with an interest in biobanking on the draft Guidelines and to their potential contribution to developing a more strategic approach to biobanking in Ireland. To this end MMI is conducting a consultation phase to invite comments on the draft Guidelines prior to publication

The consultation phase will close on Friday February 12th 2010. To get a copy of draft Guidelines please email research@molecularmedicineireland.ie.

MMI welcomes the views and comes from those engaged in biobanking within the timeline provided above.