ISBER Best Practices For Repositories

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.