Biobanking is the process of acquiring, processing, storing and distributing biological materials for use in research, diagnosis or therapeutic development. Biobanks play a critical role in supporting biomedical research and public health surveillance by ensuring the availability of high-quality, well-characterised biological samples.

Many biobanks seek accreditation to ISO 20387, which specifies general requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of biobanks. Accreditation to ISO 20387 provides assurance to stakeholders that biological materials and associated data are managed competently and ethically.