NATA internationally recognised for its biobanking accreditation

The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) — known to be the world’s first and oldest accreditation body — has become the second to be internationally recognised for accreditation of biobanking facilities to the international standard ISO 20387. The recognition comes as a result of NATA’s four-yearly evaluation/assessment against ISO/IEC 17011 by the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC), for continuation of its signatory status in the APAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

Biobanks are facilities that undertake the collection, storage and distribution of biological materials and associated data from humans, animal and plants, and are crucial in supporting research in human, animal and plant health. NATA aims to enhance the quality and reliability of biobanking services through the accreditation of facilities that operate in accordance with ISO 20387 and demonstrate competence, capability and reliability in their activities.

Biobanking Victoria, part of Monash University, last year became the first biobank in Australia to be accredited by NATA under ISO 20387.

“We are extremely proud to be recognised by APAC as one of the few accreditation bodies worldwide offering accreditation for biobanks that is recognised under a mutual recognition arrangement,” said NATA CEO Jennifer Evans.

“As the world moves towards a greater exchange of biological material and scientific information at a global level, accreditation of biobanks under mutual recognition arrangements such as the APAC MRA will be crucial to ensure that there is an internationally recognised framework underpinning the reliability and trustworthiness of that material and data.”

NATA, which this year celebrated its 76th anniversary, is the national accreditation body of Australia thanks to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Commonwealth along with agreements with state government agencies. The association continues to maintain its signatory status for several other APAC MRA scopes in addition to Biobanking, including Calibration (ISO/IEC 17025), Inspection (ISO/IEC 17020), Medical Testing (ISO 15189), PTP (ISO/IEC 17043), RMP (ISO 17034) and Testing (ISO/IEC 17025).

“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team, as well as our commitment to providing reliable and trustworthy accreditation services for all of our members and stakeholders, and giving the Australian public confidence in the products and services we use every day,” Evans said.

NATA will undergo its next re-evaluation by March 2027, within the standard four-year period.

Top image: Members of the APAC evaluation team join NATA employees outside the building.